The highly anticipated Axiom Mission 4, set to include Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed due to a technical issue. The launch, initially scheduled for June 11, encountered a delay when leaks were detected during post-static fire booster inspections. SpaceX announced the postponement via a post on X, citing the need for additional time to address the issue. Further details regarding the new launch date will be released after the repair is complete and pending range availability. ISRO also confirmed the postponement, with the mission carrying the first Indian Gaganyatri, Shubhanshu Shukla, to the ISS. The delay stems from a LOx leak detected during a hot test of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle’s booster stage. The Ax-4 mission is significant as it will be India’s second national astronaut’s journey to space since 1984, and will include members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking their inaugural missions to the space station.
