Axiom 4 Space Mission (Ax-4): Launch Date, Crew, And Key Highlights

Axiom 4 Space Mission (Ax-4) is not just another trip to space—it marks a groundbreaking step in international cooperation and commercial space exploration. Featuring Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, this mission highlights India’s expanding role in the global space sector. Organized by Axiom Space and launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Ax-4 brings together astronauts from India, USA, Poland, and Hungary for a 14-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS).

Axiom 4 Space Mission: Launch Details

Detail	Information
Mission Name	Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Launch Date	Postponed (Was scheduled for June 10, 2025)
Launch Time	8:22 a.m. ET
Launch Site	LC-39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Spacecraft	SpaceX Dragon
Launch Provider	SpaceX
Destination	International Space Station (ISS)
Mission Duration	Approximately 14 days
Primary Objectives	Scientific research, global outreach, and international collaboration

Meet the Ax-4 Crew Members

Shubhanshu Shukla – Pilot (India)

Group Captain in the Indian Air Force
Test pilot with 2,000+ flying hours on aircraft like Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, and Jaguar
Alumnus of NDA and City Montessori School, Lucknow
Selected for India’s Gaganyaan Mission
Will manage navigation and emergency systems aboard the Dragon spacecraft

Peggy Whitson – Mission Commander (USA)

Former NASA astronaut, now with Axiom Space
One of the most experienced space travelers globally
Leading her second commercial spaceflight
Ensures crew safety and mission success

Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – Mission Specialist (Poland)

Scientist and space systems engineer
Represents Poland in its first ISS mission
Conducting research in biomedical and microgravity environments

Tibor Kapu – Mission Specialist (Hungary)

Mechanical engineer and spaceflight rookie
Performing scientific tasks onboard the ISS
Represents Hungary’s foray into crewed space missions

ESA Research Scientist – Support Crew (Europe)

Supporting space-based experiments and research modules during the mission

Mission Goals: Why Ax-4 Matters

Scientific Research

Focus on human physiology, biology, and environmental systems in microgravity
Crucial insights for long-duration space travel and space medicine

International Collaboration

A joint effort among four countries
Demonstrates the growing role of emerging space nations
Blends public sector ambition with private innovation

Education & Public Outreach

Live educational sessions with students across the globe
Promotes STEM education and inspires the next generation of space explorers

Spotlight: Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born: October 10, 1985 | Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Education: City Montessori School; National Defence Academy (NDA)
Family: Married, father of a 4-year-old son
Air Force Career: Commissioned on June 17, 2006; expert in fighter aircraft testing
Space Role: First IAF officer on a commercial ISS mission; India’s candidate for Gaganyaan
Responsibilities: Flight dynamics, vehicle systems, and in-orbit operations

Why Axiom 4 Space Mission is a Game-Changer

Ax-4 exemplifies the future of space travel—where commercial players like Axiom Space and SpaceX enable government-backed astronauts from emerging space powers. For India, it represents a significant stride ahead of its own crewed mission, Gaganyaan.

This mission is not only symbolic but a functional pathfinder for global partnerships, advanced research, and accessible space education.

Quick Recap: Axiom 4 Space Mission Highlights

Launch Date: Postponed (previously June 10, 2025)
Launch Time: 8:22 a.m. ET from NASA Kennedy Space Center
Crew: Astronauts from India, USA, Poland, and Hungary
Spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon
Duration: 14 days aboard the ISS
Objectives: Scientific research, global collaboration, student outreach
Significance: India’s first participation in a commercial space station mission