Axiom-4 Mission with Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Delayed Again Due to Liquid Oxygen Leak

The much-anticipated launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed once again. SpaceX confirmed late Monday that a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak was detected during post-static fire inspections of the Falcon 9 booster, prompting the latest delay.

The mission, a joint effort by Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO, was scheduled for liftoff on June 11, 2025. This is now the fourth time the launch has been delayed, previously due to adverse weather conditions and technical checks.

“Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak,” SpaceX announced on X. The company added that a new launch date would be announced after repairs are complete and the range is cleared.

India’s space agency ISRO also confirmed the delay, stating that the leak was found in the propulsion bay during a hot test of the booster on the launch pad. “It has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation tests before clearing for launch,” ISRO said.

The Ax-4 mission is poised to mark a historic milestone for India, sending Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS in what would be the country’s return to human spaceflight nearly 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

International Space Station officials also confirmed the delay, with the ISS’s official X handle stating, “@NASA, @Axiom_Space and SpaceX are standing down from the launch opportunity on Wednesday, June 11.”

Previously, unfavorable weather—particularly high winds and the threat of rain—had stalled the launch. The latest technical setback, however, underscores the complexity and precision required in manned space missions.

The mission is expected to see astronauts spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS conducting microgravity research, life sciences experiments, and collaborative studies involving scientists from more than 30 nations.

Despite repeated delays, anticipation remains high. Social media is abuzz with support for Shukla and excitement over India’s expanding role in international space collaboration.