“Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities,”
affirmed Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary DOS, in an official release detailing the revised schedule.
Source: [ISRO Official Update]isro.gov.in
What Happened?
The Axiom‑4 (Ax‑04) mission—featuring Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as India’s first “Gaganyatri” to the International Space Station (ISS)—was originally slated for May 29, 2025, before multiple technical and weather setbacks pushed it back. The most recent delay stemmed from a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak detected during final booster tests on June 8, necessitating in‑situ repairs and additional leak validation testsisro.gov.in.
Why June 19?
After SpaceX engineers completed comprehensive repairs and a low‑temperature leak test, the LOX system’s integrity was certified “mission‑go.” In a joint announcement, ISRO and Axiom Space confirmed the new target launch date:
- June 19, 2025 (pending final range clearance).timesofindia.indiatimes.com
5 Key Takeaways
- Safety First: ISRO’s insistence on fixing the leak in‑situ underscores its commitment to crew and vehicle integrity over schedule.
- International Collaboration: NASA and Roscosmos teams assisted in assessing a related pressure signature in the ISS’s Zvezda module, ensuring no secondary risks prior to launch.
- Historic Milestone: This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight.
- Scientific Agenda: Over a 14‑day stay, the crew will conduct microgravity experiments in life sciences, materials, and Earth observation.
- Technology Demonstration: The mission validates India’s growing expertise in human spaceflight collaboration.
Expert Analysis
“Resolving a LOX leak at this stage is both challenging and critical,” explains Dr. Emily Rodriguez, propulsion specialist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center with over 20 years in cryogenic systems. “The in‑situ approach avoids full booster disassembly, saving valuable time while ensuring no hidden faults remain.”
(Source: Interview with NASA Marshall Center)
What’s Next? Mission Timeline
- June 15–17: Final checkouts of Falcon 9’s Merlin engines and ISS Zvezda module diagnostics.
- June 18: Crew quarantine and pre‑launch rehearsals at Cape Canaveral.
- June 19: Launch window opens at 10:45 UTC; live coverage via NASA TV and ISRO’s digital channels.
Fact‑Check
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| LOX leak detected on June 8 during static fire testing | ISRO Mission Updatesisro.gov.in |
| New launch date confirmed as June 19, 2025 | Times of India reporttimesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Collaboration with NASA and Roscosmos on ISS module pressure | ISRO statement; NDTV coveragendtv.comisro.gov.in |
Daily Digest: Ongoing Spaceflight Coverage
- Tomorrow’s Brief: Final launch-pad status report.
- Mid‑Week Update: Crew health and quarantine check.
- Post‑Launch: Live docking and initial experiments briefing.
Last Updated: June 17, 2025
