The launch of the Axiom 4 (Ax-4) mission, scheduled for June 11, to the International Space Station (ISS) postponed again. The delay comes after a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak detected throughout post-static hearth booster inspections. The mission is ready to launch Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS. “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to permit overtime for SpaceX teams to restore the LOx leak,” the company said.
All Eyes on Weather Conditions for Axiom 4 Launch
This comes after SpaceX earlier wrote on X, “Weather is 85% favourable for liftoff, with groups continuing to display high-winds in the ascent corridor.”
ISRO confirm delay and wrote on X, “As a part of launch preparation to validate the overall performance of the booster degree of the Falcon 9 launch automobile, seven second of hot test executed at the launch pad. It is known that LOX leakage detected in the propulsion bay during the test.”
Shubhanshu Shukla Ready for Launch
“Based on subject matter by the ISRO group with the professionals of Axiom 4 and SpaceX decide to correct the leak and perform vital validation test before clearing for the launch. Hence the launch of Axiom 04 slated for 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS postponed,” it said.
The official X handle of the International Space Station wrote, “@NASA, @Axiom_Space and SpaceX are status down from the launch possibility on Wednesday, June 11, of Axiom Mission four to the International Space Station.”
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