Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Mission Launch Postponed to June 8
The Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4), which will carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), has been rescheduled. US-based Axiom Space announced the postponement from May 29 to June 8 for the launch from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. Shukla is set to be the first Indian astronaut on this commercial human spaceflight mission, marking a significant milestone for India in space exploration.
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Axiom Space has not publicly detailed the specific reason for the postponement, but space missions are often delayed due to technical checks, crew readiness, or scheduling conflicts at the launch site.
Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, a test pilot, and one of four astronaut designates for India’s human spaceflight program. He hails from Lucknow and has served in the Air Force since 2006.
During his 14-day mission on the ISS, Shukla will conduct scientific experiments, including studies on tardigrades and space farming, contributing to research in biology and agriculture in space environments.
This marks the first time an Indian astronaut will visit the ISS, symbolizing India’s growing role in international space exploration and serving as a precursor to ISRO’s own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.