The highly anticipated Axiom Mission 4 has been delayed once more due to the discovery of leaks during post-static fire booster inspections. The mission, initially scheduled for launch on Wednesday, June 11, has been put on hold. SpaceX announced the postponement of the Falcon 9 launch to the International Space Station (ISS) via a post on X, stating that the issue requires more time to resolve and that a new launch date will be announced subsequently. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also confirmed the delay, highlighting the importance of this mission for India, as it will carry the first Indian Gaganyatri, Shubhanshu Shukla, to the ISS. Following launch vehicle preparation involving a seven-second hot test, a LOx leakage was detected in the propulsion bay. The launch has been postponed to correct the leak and conduct necessary validation tests.
The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, representing each nation’s inaugural mission to the space station. This marks the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over four decades.
