The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which was earlier planned for June 19, has been delayed again. The new launch date is now set for no earlier than Sunday, June 22.This mission includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other astronauts, who will travel to the ISS. In a statement, Axiom Space said, "NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are now aiming to launch the fourth private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 4, no earlier than Sunday, June 22."

NASA has said the launch date was changed to allow more time to check space station systems after recent repairs in the back section of the ISS's Russian Zvezda service module. The Axiom-4 mission was originally planned for May 29 but has been delayed several times: first to June 8, then to June 10 and 11, because of a liquid oxygen leak found in the Falcon 9 rocket boosters and concerns over leaks in the older Russian part of the space station. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also shared news of the delay in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Axiom-4 commercial mission will be led by experienced astronaut Peggy Whitson. Indian Air Force pilot and ISRO astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will serve as the mission’s pilot. Two other astronauts-Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland will join as mission specialists.
The crew will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be one of the few Indians to visit the ISS. During the mission, he will carry out seven scientific experiments developed in India and also take part in joint research with NASA. Axiom Space confirmed that all safety precautions are being taken to ensure the mission’s success. This mission is also part of Axiom's larger plan to expand commercial access to space and build the world’s first private space station.