Bengaluru, June 11 (UNI) The much anticipated Axiom-04 mission, with the scheduled lift-off on June 11, carrying the first Indian Gaganyatri to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed following the detection of a technical anomaly during launch preparations, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Wednesday.
As part of pre-launch protocols, a seven-second hot test of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle’s booster stage was carried out on the launch pad to validate its performance. During this critical test, engineers detected a leakage of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) in the propulsion bay of the rocket.
Following a detailed review involving ISRO engineers and experts from mission partners Axiom Space and SpaceX, it was unanimously decided to rectify the leak and carry out necessary validation tests before granting clearance for launch.
Dr V Narayanan, secretary of the Department of Space, chairman ISRO and chairman of the Space Commission, said: “Based on deliberations between ISRO, Axiom and SpaceX experts, it has been decided to address the LOX leak and carry out additional validation before proceeding with the launch.”
He added that the new date for the mission will be announced after successful completion of the rectification process.
The Axiom-04 mission carries historic significance as it marks India's first-ever human spaceflight mission to the ISS through an international partnership. The Gaganyatri, Group Captain Prashanth Shukla, an experienced Indian Air Force pilot, has been undergoing intensive training in Houston over the past year.
Shukla, who was selected for the mission following a rigorous selection and evaluation process conducted jointly by ISRO and the Indian Air Force, was slated to spend around two weeks aboard the ISS, conducting scientific experiments and technology demonstrations of Indian origin.
A decorated test pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying experience across multiple aircraft platforms, Shukla was also part of the initial Gaganyaan astronaut training cohort and represents the next chapter in India's growing human spaceflight ambitions.
Though the delay is a temporary setback, ISRO officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and mission assurance, especially given the mission’s symbolic and strategic importance.
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