Indian astronaut group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission, where he was 7 Indian scientists to experiment. This mission is historic for India, as it is the second time after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, when someone will go to Indian space.
However, this mission has been postponed seven times. Now the new launch date is 25 June. Due to repeated postponement, questions are arising whether Indian experiments, especially biological samples, will be safe?
Axiom-4 Mission: Role of Shubhanshu Shukla
Axiom-4 is a private space mission, which NASA, Axiom Space and SpaceX are together. This mission consists of four astronauts …
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- Commander: Pegi Whitson (East NASA Astronaut, USA)
- pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla (Indian Air Force Pilot, ISRO)
- Mission Specialist: Slavosh Ujanski-Vishanivski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
This mission is 14 days, in which more than 60 scientific experiments will be done, out of which 7 experiments are from India. Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first astronaut of India, who will reach ISS. India has spent Rs 550 crore for this mission, which reflects India’s space ambition.
7 Indian experiments: What are these?
Shubhanshu Shukla will do seven experiments designed by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and other Indian institutions on ISS. These experiments are associated with biological, agriculture and human adaptation in microgravity (low gravity). These experiments are important for future space missions and research on Earth.
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Study of muscle loss (Institute of Stem Sale Science and Regimental Medicine)
The muscles of astronauts become weak due to microgravity in space. This experiment is to understand the causes of muscle damage and the strategies of treatment. It can be used in the treatment of Mars missions and muscle diseases on Earth.
Development of Crops (Kerala Agricultural University and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology)
Seeds of six types of crops will be taken to space, so that their growth and change in genes can be studied. This will be useful for farming in space in future.
Seed germination (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and IIT Dharwad)
This experiment will study the changes in germination and nutrition of seeds. After returning from space, genes and nutrition will be analyzed by growing these seeds for several generations.
Micro-Jantus Tests (Indian Institute of Science)
There will be a study of small organisms called tardigrade (water beeres), which can live in excessive temperature, radiation and vacuum of space. This experiment will help in understanding the stamina of organisms in space.
Cognitive effect (ISRO)
This study will see the effect on eye speed, focus and mental stress using computer screen in space. This will help improve mental health and performance of astronauts in deep space missions.
MicroLey Development (ISRO)
There will be a study of three types of microalgy, which can be useful for food, fuel and life support systems. This experiment is important for self -sufficiency in space.
Cinobacteria Study (ISRO)
Cellular and biochemical behavior of two types of cyanobacteria will be studied in microbiology. This can be useful for oxygen and food production in future space missions.
Reason for repeated postponement of mission
The launch of Axiom-4 mission has been postponed several times. The mission was initially decided on 29 May 2025, but was postponed seven times due to technical and security reasons.
- 29 May to 8 June: SpaceX was first deferred due to a malfunction in the electrical harness of the dragon spacecraft.
- 8 June to 10 June: SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket delayed due to liquid oxygen (LOX) leakage.
- 10 June to 11 June: The launch was postponed due to bad weather. ISRO said that the launch was to be held on June 11 at 5:30 PM IST.
- Uncertain from 11 June: Falcon-9 rocket boosters were found again in Lox Leak. ISRO advised to fix it and test it.
- 19 June to 22 June: NASA needed more time for safety check after recent repair in ISS’s Zaved Service Module (Russian part).
- Uncertain from 22 June: NASA postponed the launch to review the repair data again.
- June 25 (Potential): May be launched on 25 June, but NASA has not yet confirmed. NASA stated that due to the intricate and interconnected system of ISS, NASA wants to ensure that the station is ready for new crew members.
Also read: Dragon capsule with which Sunita Williams returned to earth, will go to Space Station from Shubhanshu …
Protection of experiments: What is the danger?
There is a risk of malfunction of biological samples (eg seeds, microalgie, tardigrade) due to repeated postponement. These samples are specially designed for use in microgravity. The delay can affect their quality.
Building of biological samples: Samples like Kerala Agricultural University seeds and microalgy can lose their viability over time. ISRO is trying to refresh these samples. Tardigrads may survive even in harsh conditions, but keeping on the earth for a long time can affect the results of their use.
Experimental accuracy: Delay can change the biological condition of samples, which can reduce the reliability of the results obtained in microgravity.
Logistics challenge: It takes time and resources to refresh the samples and re -prepare, which can increase the cost of the mission.
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Safety measures
ISRO’s readiness: ISRO is working fast to refresh biological samples. ISRO has already preserved samples, so that they stay safe for a long time.
Caution of NASA and SpaceX: NASA and SpaceX are completely examined by ISS and Falcon-9 rockets, so that the mission is safe. Additional tests are being done to fix the Lox leakage and the repair of the Zweeda module.
Crew safety: The four astronauts are in Quarantine in Florida, where their health and safety are being monitored. Axiom Space said that the crew is healthy and excited.
Launch window: The launch window is available by the end of June 2025. If it is missed, the next chance will be in mid -July.