India is on the brink of making space history once again. After multiple delays, the highly anticipated Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is finally ready for liftoff. With this, the spotlight is on India again as Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is going to be on the spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS).
Scheduled to launch on Wednesday, June 25, from NASA's Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission marks a significant milestone for India, Hungary, and Poland — all of whom are sending astronauts to space after a long hiatus. Riding aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the four-member crew is set to reignite the global spirit of exploration.
ALSO READ | Why Is NASA Launching Axiom 4 Mission To International Space Station?
India Returns To Space After Decades With Axiom 4
For India, this isn't just another space mission; it's a generational leap. Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, and only the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma's legendary mission in 1984. His presence aboard Ax-4 not only revives India's human spaceflight ambitions but also symbolises a new era of global collaboration in space.
ISS Live Feed From NASA Below:
Meet The Crew Of Axiom Mission 4
Joining Pilot Shubhranshu Shukla on this international space voyage are:
Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA), a veteran NASA astronaut
Mission Specialist: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland)
Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Axiom 4 Launch Details
Launch Time: 2:31 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 25 | 12:01 p.m. IST
Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
Spacecraft: Newly built Dragon capsule
After launch, the spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 7:00 AM. EDT (or 4:30 PM IST) on Thursday, June 26.
Where To Watch Falcon 9 Launch Live
You can catch the live stream here:
On the NASA live feed. The broadcast will be activated once the mission is ready to launch. Catch the live feed below:
On SpaceX
Elon Musk's SpaceX has started live-streaming the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket with the Axiom 4 mission crew. Catch the live stream below.
Axiom 4 Mission Delayed, But Not Deterred
Originally scheduled months ago, Ax-4 faced six separate delays due to bad weather and technical issues with the rocket system. But despite the setbacks, the mission is now ready for takeoff — a testament to the persistence and precision of modern space engineering.
What's On Axiom 4 Crew's Agenda?
Once aboard the ISS, the astronauts will spend roughly two weeks in orbit. Their itinerary includes:
- Cutting-edge scientific experiments
- Educational outreach activities with students on Earth
- Commercial research and collaboration projects
A Giant Leap For Global Space Cooperation
As the countdown begins, the Ax-4 mission represents more than a launch — it's a bold step toward democratizing space access. It's also a reminder that space isn't just for a few superpowers anymore. With countries like India, Hungary, and Poland making their mark, the cosmos is truly becoming a shared frontier.
Catch the LIVE updates on the Axiom 4 launch here on ABP Live.