SpaceX stands down Falcon 9 Ax-4 launch.
The mission, which was set to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is now expected to launch on Wednesday, pending improved weather forecasts and final system checks.
The crew onboard this mission includes private astronauts from multiple nations, continuing the expansion of global participation in low-Earth orbit research and commercial activities.
SpaceX and Axiom Space emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and standing down from the scheduled launch allows teams to complete additional inspections while monitoring atmospheric conditions. Delays of this nature are common in spaceflight, particularly when dealing with Florida’s unpredictable summer weather.
NASA and SpaceX will continue to provide updates on the rescheduled launch window. If all conditions align, Falcon 9 will deliver the Ax-4 crew to the ISS for their planned mission duration aboard the orbiting laboratory.
SpaceX has announced that it is standing down from the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket for Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, which was scheduled to carry Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and other crew members to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, a significant milestone for India as it marks the participation of an Indian astronaut in a private spaceflight to the ISS, was initially scheduled for launch.
“SpaceX is standing down from Falcon 9’s launch of Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, June 11, to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx (liquid oxygen) leak identified during post static fire booster inspections.
SpaceX and Axiom Space emphasized that mission safety remains the top priority, and that addressing such technical issues before liftoff is a standard part of responsible launch operations.
Interestingly, just hours before the announcement, the latest weather forecast had shown an 85% chance of favorable conditions for the scheduled launch on Wednesday. While the weather had aligned in favor of the mission, the technical issue took precedence in the decision to stand down.
The Ax-4 mission is part of Axiom Space’s broader initiative to develop commercial human spaceflight missions to the ISS. Alongside Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the crew consists of individuals from various countries, contributing to the growing global dimension of space exploration.
A new launch date is expected to be announced soon, once the technical issue is resolved and range availability is confirmed. Until then, preparations will continue to ensure all systems are ready for a safe and successful mission to space.