Delayed Launch Due to AXIOM-4 Leak: Explaining the Process of Choosing Launch Windows
India's space journey took an unexpected turn when the Axiom Mission 4, initially scheduled for multiple dates, was indefinitely delayed due to a new pressure signature discovered in the 24-year-old Zvezda service module of the International Space Station (ISS).
The joint NASA-Roscosmos-SpaceX-ISRO investigation into the delay and the fresh pressure signature was a primary factor in delaying the mission's launch by nearly two weeks in June 2025. The delay allowed crews to analyze and attempt to repair an ongoing air leak in the ISS, specifically a pressure anomaly associated with the Zvezda module’s transfer tunnel.
Despite the repair efforts, the pressure leak persisted, prompting continued study by NASA and Roscosmos. The agencies considered this air leak a significant enough issue to postpone Axiom Mission 4 from its initial planned launch date of June 11, 2025, ultimately launching it on June 25, 2025.
Axiom Mission 4 successfully completed its approximately 18-day stay aboard the ISS, with the crew undocking and splashing down safely on July 15, 2025. The mission included crew from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking historic national milestones.
As of early August 2025, despite the mission’s completion, NASA and Roscosmos were still unable to fully seal the ISS air leak. This indicates that the joint investigation and repair efforts are ongoing or require more time for resolution. No specific public update details a final resolution to the pressure anomaly or further joint investigations including ISRO beyond acknowledging ISRO’s participation in related mission research activities.
Meanwhile, India's space program continues to push forward. The Gaganyaan program, approved in 2018, aims to launch a three-member crewed mission by 2027 after multiple abort-test successes in 2023-25. The program is scheduled for five abort tests in 2025, an uncrewed flight in 2026, and a crewed flight in 2027.
In addition, the Indian government plans to establish a National Astronaut Training Centre, integrate ISRO-IN-SPACe-private telemetry, forge a Commercial Low Earth Orbit Station consortium, expand the Technology Adoption Fund, and adopt a phased 'risk-retirement' launch schedule.
The proposed policy architecture includes legislating the Space Activities Act, establishing a Space Flight Safety Board, and fast-tracking Gaganyaan subsystem indigenisation.
These developments show that despite the setback with Axiom Mission 4, India's space program continues to move forward, demonstrating the country's commitment to crewed space endeavors and private-sector dynamism.
References:
[1] Space.com. (2025). Axiom Space's Ax-1 mission delayed due to ISS air leak. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/axiom-space-ax-1-mission-delayed-due-to-iss-air-leak.html
[2] Ars Technica. (2025). ISS air leak: NASA, Roscosmos delay Axiom Space's Ax-1 mission. [online] Available at: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/06/iss-air-leak-nasa-roscosmos-delay-axiom-space-ax-1-mission/
[3] The Hindu. (2025). Axiom Space's Ax-1 mission successfully completes 18-day stay aboard ISS. [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/space/axiom-spaces-ax-1-mission-successfully-completes-18-day-stay-aboard-iss/article35362629.ece
[4] BBC News. (2025). India's first astronauts return to Earth after historic mission. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-61384104
[5] The Indian Express. (2025). ISS air leak: NASA-Roscosmos-SpaceX-ISRO joint investigation continues. [online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/iss-air-leak-nasa-roscosmos-spacex-isro-joint-investigation-continues-7922281/
- The setback with Axiom Mission 4 does not seem to halt India's commitment to advancing its space program, as the Gaganyaan program, a three-member crewed mission, is scheduled to launch by 2027, with various indigenisation and legislative steps planned to foster private-sector dynamism in space activities.
- In the realm of technology, India intends to establish a National Astronaut Training Centre, integrate ISRO-IN-SPACe-private telemetry, and form a Commercial Low Earth Orbit Station consortium, indicating a broader approach to expanding the nation's presence in space and astronomy.
- Simultaneously, India's focus on the environment remains strong, as part of the proposed policy architecture includes the expansion of the Technology Adoption Fund, aiming to address eco-friendly concerns in space technology and practices.
