SpaceX Launches Four People into Orbit on Axiom Space Ax-4 Mission

SpaceX launched four people into orbit on the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, the fourth private spaceflight for the Houston-based commercial company. The crew of four includes Peggy Whitson, a retired NASA astronaut, as commander, and three mission specialists. The mission aims to spend two weeks at the International Space Station, with NASA and the European Space Agency contributing to the mission. The launch was delayed due to weather and a leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, but the crew received clearance to launch after NASA and Roscosmos investigated a leak on the space station's Zvedzda service module.

SpaceX successfully launched four astronauts into orbit on the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, marking the fourth private spaceflight for the Houston-based commercial company. The crew, led by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes three mission specialists: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. The mission aims to spend two weeks at the International Space Station (ISS), conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities.

The launch, initially planned for June 11, was delayed due to weather and a leak in the Falcon 9 rocket. The delay was exacerbated by concerns about a persistent air leak in a Russian compartment aboard the ISS's Zvezda service module. NASA and Roscosmos investigated the issue and agreed to lower the pressure in the transfer tunnel to 100 millimeters of mercury, ensuring a tighter seal and minimizing the risk of air supply disruption.

The Ax-4 mission follows in the footsteps of Axiom's previous private astronaut missions, with Whitson serving as the commander. The mission's objectives include realizing the return of India, Poland, and Hungary to space, conducting scientific research, and demonstrating educational activities in the crew's home countries. The mission also aims to expand space collaboration and advance scientific knowledge, aligning with NASA's commercial strategy for low Earth orbit.

The launch was scheduled for 2:31 a.m. EDT on June 25, with a targeted docking time of 7 a.m. on June 26. Live coverage of the launch and arrival activities will be streamed on NASA+, with NASA ending coverage following orbital insertion. The mission is expected to conclude after two weeks, with the crew departing the ISS.

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250624ph17545/nasa-sets-coverage-for-axiom-mission-4-launch-arrival-at-station
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-peggy-whitson-astronaut-axiom-space-station/