> Science Indian astronaut designate Shubhanshu Shukla's debut space mission has been delayed again. In a post on X, Axiom Space announced that launch is now targeted on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. While the reason for the delay was not specified, it may have been for the additional preparations needed for the flight. It was previously scheduled for launch on June 8. The #Ax4 crew is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on June 10 at 8:22 AM EDT from Launch Complex 39A at @NASAKennedy. Tune in for the launch broadcast starting at 6:15 AM EDT. pic.twitter.com/2ACocwFRSQ — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 3, 2025 The mission - named Ax-4 - is Axiom Space's fourth private mission including Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and debutants Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Poland's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski. The #Ax4 crew is on their way to quarantine. Before they go, Axiom Space employees came together to celebrate. Crew Send-off is a tradition that pays tribute to the dedication and tireless efforts of staff prior to the crew embarking on their mission. From #TeamAxiom, Godspeed… pic.twitter.com/rzEsjL8utL — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) May 25, 2025 Shukla will serve as the pilot for Ax-4 while Whitson is the mission commander, with mission specialists Kapu and Uznański-Wiśniewski. They will spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) living and conducting various experiments including studying plant and bacterial growth.