Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) is a planned private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. It will use a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to place Crew Dragon C213 into low Earth orbit. This will be the maiden flight of the C213 spacecraft, the fifth and final Crew Dragon to be built.
The flight was scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on 11 June 2025, but the first attempt was scrubbed due to a liquid oxygen leak. The next attempt was postponed until 19 June 2025 8:53 am UTC (4:53 am EDT, 2:53 pm IST, 10:53 am CET) due to an unrelated leak in the Zvezda service module of the ISS.
What is the purpose of Axiom Mission 4?
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Axiom mission 4 is part of Axiom Space’s broader goal to expand commercial access to low-Earth orbit and eventually build the world’s first commercial space station. For India, Shukla’s participation is a proud moment, inspiring a new generation of scientists and space enthusiasts.
Which countries are in Axiom Mission 4?
The official crew portrait of the Axiom Mission 4 private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. From left are, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uzanański-Wiśniewksi from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Who is behind axiom?
Axiom Space was founded in 2016 by Dr. Kam Ghaffarian and Michael Suffredini.
Dr. Kam Ghaffarian is the Executive Chairman of Axiom Space. He previously founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc., which became NASA’s second-largest engineering services contractor, training NASA astronauts and operating the ISS. Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc. was acquired by KBR, Inc. in 2018.
Michael Suffredini previously served as Axiom Space’s first CEO and President from its founding until 2024. He also served as NASA’s International Space Station Program Manager from 2005 to 2015, overseeing the Station’s transition from assembly to operation and commercial utilization.
Who is the head of Axiom Mission 4?
Former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight, Peggy Whitson, will lead the upcoming commercial mission as commander, with ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the pilot, PTI reported
Why has the Axiom 4 mission been delayed?:
Axiom Mission 4 has been delayed due to combination of technical issues with both the launch vehicle and the International Space Station (ISS). Initially, a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak in the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and an engine actuator anomaly were discovered. Later, a potential leak in the Russian segment of the ISS (Zvezda module) was identified, prompting further investigation and delaying the launch.
What is the primary goal of Axiom Mission 4?
The primary goal of the Axiom Mission 4 is to send a crew of private astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific research, technology demonstrations and to further the development of commercial space activities. This mission is part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable human presence in low Earth orbit and to foster international collaboration in space exploration.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Scientific Research:
The Ax-4 mission will facilitate various experiments on the ISS, including studies on human health, materials science, and space technology.
Technology Demonstrations:
The mission will test and demonstrate technologies that could be used in future space missions, including those related to long-duration spaceflight and space habitats.
Commercial Space Activities:
Ax-4 aims to advance commercial space activities in low Earth orbit, such as space tourism and private research initiatives.
International Collaboration:
The mission promotes international collaboration by involving astronauts from different countries and conducting research that benefits multiple space agencies and organizations.
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