KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL – Marking a magnificent middle of the night blastoff the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) private astronaut mission finally soared to orbit at 2:31 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, June 25 aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida – bound for the International Space Station (ISS), following a series of launch delays due to LOX leaks on the SpaceX Falcon 9 1st stage and the discovery of further air leaks aboard the orbiting science outpost
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carried Axiom Mission 4 crew members Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space as commander, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut and pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and mission specialists ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
The 1st stage booster nailed the landing back at the Cape LZ-1 8 minutes after liftoff
They are due to dock at the ISS on Thursday, June 26. after a bit more than one day in space.
AX-4 counts as the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), sponsored by Axiom Space.
The crew named the Dragon as ‘Grace’ and the zero-G indicator is a swan.
“We had an incredible ride uphill, and we now set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet — our spacecraft, ‘Grace.’ Grace is more than a name. It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit, and the unmerited favor we carry with humility. Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill —for the benefit of every human, everywhere,” said Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson.
“And we are not alone. With us travels ‘Joy’ — a swan, a symbol of beauty, unity, and the shared dreams that lift us beyond our world. Joy inspires us to look outward with wonder and inward with hope. Together, Grace and Joy embody the essence of this mission: to explore with purpose, to connect with compassion, and to dream without limits. As we glide through space, may we carry with us the spirit of Grace, the lightness of Joy, and the boundless possibilities that await us.”
Overall the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4, counts as Dragon’s 18th human spaceflight mission
“Congratulations to Axiom Space and SpaceX on a successful launch,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro, in a press release.
“Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, America has expanded international participation and commercial capabilities in low Earth orbit. U.S. industry is enabling astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to return to space for the first time in over forty years. It’s a powerful example of American leadership bringing nations together in pursuit of science, discovery, and opportunity.”
The 4 person international crew from US, India, Poland and Hungary will conduct over 60 science experiments – including research on diabetes – during approximately 14 days aboard the ISS.
The science abord stems from 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.
Enjoy our prelaunch and launch photos from the Space UpClose team of Ken Kremer and Jean Wright of the integrated SpaceX Falcon 9 and brand new Crew Dragon – the 5th in the SpaceX fleet of Crew Dragons.
“A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies are participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration”, says NASA.
“This mission serves as an example of the success derived from collaboration between NASA’s international partners and American commercial space companies.”
You can watch live coverage of the spacecraft’s arrival at the ISS beginning at 4:30 a.m., Thursday, June 26, on NASA+.
NASA reported the Dragon spacecraft is ahead of schedule and may autonomously dock about 30 minutes early at approximately 6:30 a.m. to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module.
Once aboard the station, Expedition 73 crew members, including NASA astronauts, Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky will welcome the astronauts.
The crew is scheduled to remain at the space station, conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities for about two weeks before a return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of California.
The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, empowers U.S. industry, and enables the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
This 4th commercial mission by Axiom Space is led by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson – on her 5th spaceflight.
3 other rookies crewmates round out the crew of 4 from India, Hungary and Poland.
Peggy is currently Americas most experienced astronaut with 675 days in space!
Barely three weeks ago she was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
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Ken Kremer interviews about Ax-4 on Wesh 2 NBC and WFTV ABC News Orlando
https://www.wesh.com/article/axiom-4-launch-cape-canaveral-delayed/65117812
https://www.wesh.com/article/space-station-leak-delay-axiom-4-launch-soon-florida/65079908
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