Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom mission postponed: SpaceX detects LOx leak; Falcon 9 liftoff on hold pending repairs
Space Station
was postponed again on Wednesday after a
LOx leak
was identified during post
static fire booster inspections
.
LOx stands for
Liquid Oxygen
, a cryogenic, pale blue liquid used as a powerful oxidiser.
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It is commonly used in rocket propulsion and industrial applications, but is highly reactive and can cause explosive combustion.
"Standing down from tomorrow's
Falcon 9
launch of Ax-4 to the Space Station to allow additional time for
teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date," posted SpaceX on X.
The rescheduled launch of Shubhanshu Shukla-piloted Axiom-4 mission was set to take place at 5.30pm IST on Wednesday after a 'weather call' taken at Kennedy Space Centre on Tuesday (8pm IST).
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India.com
27 minutes ago
- India.com
Axiom 4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla Completes One Week Aboard ISS, Speaks With Family During Off-Duty Day
Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, part of the international Axiom Mission 4 crew aboard the International Space Station, completed a week in orbit on Wednesday, spending the day off-duty speaking with family back on Earth and preparing to resume his packed research schedule the next day, Axiom Space said in its official blog The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has now spent a full week aboard the International Space Station, as per a blog by Axiom Space. By the end of Wednesday, since docking on June 26, the astronauts will have completed approximately 113 orbits around Earth, covering over 2.9 million miles. To put that into perspective, that's nearly 12 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the blog further read. On Wednesday, the crew enjoyed a well-earned off-duty day, giving them a chance to recharge and connect with family and friends back on Earth. On Thursday, they'll dive back into a packed schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations that will continue through the weekend. In just seven days, the Ax-4 astronauts have already made significant contributions to scientific research. Peggy has been involved in cancer research using microgravity to study how tumour cells behave in space, work that is helping develop new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, the Axiom blog added further. "Shux" has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects the growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space. The findings could reveal new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular resilience which could translate into clinically relevant knowledge on Earth. Suave has been testing a wearable acoustic monitoring device designed to improve how sound levels are tracked aboard the space station. This technology could enhance astronaut health and inform the design of future spacecraft. Meanwhile, Tibor has been monitoring radiation levels using a Hungarian-developed dosimeter, while also leading a project to grow microgreens on orbit -- a step toward sustainable food production in space. This mission is historic for its international significance. It marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have conducted a mission aboard the space station and represents these nations' return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. The Ax-4 crew is conducting over 60 experiments during their two-week stay, highlighting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration. With more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets witnessed from orbit, the Ax-4 mission is advancing science progress in space and inspiring a new generation of explorers. After a day of rest, the crew will be ready to resume their packed research and outreach agendas. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Axiom 4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla completes a week in orbit aboard ISS
Shukla has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space ANI US Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, part of the international Axiom Mission 4 crew aboard the International Space Station, completed a week in orbit on Wednesday, spending the day off-duty speaking with family back on Earth and preparing to resume his packed research schedule the next day, Axiom Space said in its official blog The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has now spent a full week aboard the International Space Station, as per a blog by Axiom Space. By the end of Wednesday, since docking on June 26, the astronauts will have completed approximately 113 orbits around Earth, covering over 2.9 million miles. To put that into perspective, that's nearly 12 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the blog further read. On Wednesday, the crew enjoyed a well-earned off-duty day, giving them a chance to recharge and connect with family and friends back on Earth. On Thursday, they'll dive back into a packed schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations that will continue through the weekend. In just seven days, the Ax-4 astronauts have already made significant contributions to scientific research. Peggy has been involved in cancer research using microgravity to study how tumour cells behave in space, work that is helping develop new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, the Axiom blog added further. "Shux" has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects the growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space. The findings could reveal new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular resilience which could translate into clinically relevant knowledge on Earth. Suave has been testing a wearable acoustic monitoring device designed to improve how sound levels are tracked aboard the space station. This technology could enhance astronaut health and inform the design of future spacecraft. Meanwhile, Tibor has been monitoring radiation levels using a Hungarian-developed dosimeter, while also leading a project to grow microgreens on orbit -- a step toward sustainable food production in space. This mission is historic for its international significance. It marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have conducted a mission aboard the space station and represents these nations' return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. The Ax-4 crew is conducting over 60 experiments during their two-week stay, highlighting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration. With more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets witnessed from orbit, the Ax-4 mission is advancing science progress in space and inspiring a new generation of explorers. After a day of rest, the crew will be ready to resume their packed research and outreach agendas. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Here's how flight surgeons are monitoring Ax-4 crew, with India in the loop
Several days into their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the four Axiom-4 (Ax-4) astronauts, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), are being closely monitored not just for scientific output, but for their own physiological adaptation to life in microgravity. Behind the scenes, a team led by Axiom Space flight surgeons is ensuring that every crew member remains mission-capable, supported, and healthy. 'Our primary focus from a medical standpoint is ensuring their continued well-being through routine telehealth check-ins,' said John Marshall, Ax-4's lead flight surgeon, told TOI in an exclusive interview. Unlike long-duration expeditions, Ax-4 is a short stint on orbit, which means real-time tracking of physiological parameters is not standard practice — unless prompted by signs or symptoms during the regular check-ins. 'We're proactive, not just reactive,' Marshall explained, noting that care is personalised and adaptive. While specifics of Shukla's medical profile remain confidential, Marshall confirmed that flight surgeons are prepared to tailor support as required. The Ax-4 mission, a commercial-human spaceflight effort involving multiple international partners, has placed special emphasis on integrating cultural and agency-specific needs — something reflected in daily operations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'Axiom crew members have food options that reflect their cultural preferences,' said Marshall, adding that shared meals with Expedition 73 astronauts also foster a sense of camaraderie. Sleep cycles and activity schedules, meanwhile, are fully aligned with the broader station timetable to ensure operational cohesion. But health in space isn't only physical, it's psychological too. 'Each astronaut has access to resources tailored to their needs, and we remain attentive to how cultural background, language, and personal routines might influence adaptation,' Marshall said. Medical check-ins aboard the ISS follow a structured yet responsive framework. Sessions are spaced throughout the mission timeline and cover the known effects of spaceflight — from fluid shifts to musculoskeletal changes and sleep quality. 'We adjust the frequency depending on how each crew member is adapting,' he said. First-time flyers Three of the four Ax-4 astronauts, including Shukla, are first-time flyers, raising the stakes for close early monitoring. However, Marshall downplayed any sharp distinction between rookies and veterans in terms of medical oversight. 'Preparation is the most important anticipatory measure,' he said. Before launch, all astronauts undergo medical training to recognise and respond to the effects of microgravity. On orbit, this is reinforced with structured support and contingency protocols for unexpected symptoms. Shukla's background as a test pilot does provide him with a baseline of physical and mental resilience, but space, Marshall noted, 'levels the field.' Microgravity can affect even the most experienced individuals unpredictably. 'Rather than draw comparisons, we individualise care. Our protocols are designed to be flexible and responsive to how each astronaut is adapting in real time.' Access to India What makes Ax-4 distinctive so far as India is concerned is the joint oversight of astronaut health. Indian doctors—from both the Isro and the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine — are participating in some of these conferences. 'Their involvement not only supports their astronaut but also strengthens our shared understanding of human spaceflight,' said Marshall, describing it as a model of international cooperation in space medicine. For India's own human spaceflight ambitions, the Ax-4 mission has become a live classroom. Indian flight surgeons stationed in Houston have been closely involved in pre-flight quarantine protocols and are now getting a front-row seat to in-flight medical support. 'Hands-on experience is the most effective teacher,' said Marshall. 'They're seeing our medical workflows, the technologies we use, and the broader programme structure. We fully expect this exposure will inform India's own human spaceflight medical protocols.'
