Basic information of Axiom Mission 4 –
- Mission Name – Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4)
- Crew Members – Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański, Tibor Kapu
- Mission Type – Private crewed spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS)
- Launch Date – June 25, 2025
- Launch Time – 2:31 a.m. EDT / 12:01 p.m. IST
- Launch Vehicle – SpaceX Falcon 9
- Spacecraft – Crew Dragon Grace
- Launch Site – Kennedy Space Center, LC‑39A, Florida, USA
- Mission Duration – ~14 days in orbit
Introduction
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) is the fourth all-private crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and global space agencies. The mission launched on June 25, 2025, at 2:31 a.m. EDT / 12:01 p.m. IST aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew traveled aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft “Grace” and is scheduled to spend approximately 14 days in orbit conducting scientific research, technology demonstrations, and international outreach programs.
The mission features a globally diverse crew:
- Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
- Sławosz Uznański (Poland) – Mission Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist
Ax‑4 represents a major milestone in the advancement of commercial spaceflight, international collaboration, and the future of low-Earth orbit exploration.
🌌 Axiom Mission 4 Launches: A Global Crew Redefines the Future of Space Exploration
Kennedy Space Center, FL | June 25, 2025 —
In a landmark moment for international space cooperation, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) blasted off successfully on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a 14-day private expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Spearheaded by Axiom Space and launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the mission represents a convergence of science, diplomacy, and next-gen commercial spaceflight.
The mission launched at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Onboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft “Grace” are four astronauts representing four nations—each bringing a unique legacy and ambition to the orbital stage.
🌍 International Firsts: A Crew Bound by Science, Not Borders
Ax‑4 is rewriting the script for who gets to go to space. The diverse team includes:
- Dr. Peggy Whitson (USA): Former NASA astronaut and Axiom’s Director of Human Spaceflight. With over 665 days in orbit, she commands the mission with unparalleled experience.
- Gp. Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla (India): Fighter pilot turned astronaut, now the first Indian to step aboard the ISS, as India charts a bold path with its upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
- Dr. Sławosz Uznański (Poland): A radiation expert and ESA-selected astronaut, pioneering Poland’s presence in orbital science.
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary): A mechanical engineer and the first Hungarian in space since 1980, selected through Hungary’s national astronaut initiative, HUNOR.
🔬 Orbiting Laboratory: Science at the Heart of the Mission
Ax‑4’s scientific program is among the most ambitious yet for a private mission. With over 60 experiments on the roster, the focus spans from human biology to cutting-edge tech.
Key Research Highlights:
- Space & Diabetes: Studying glucose monitoring and insulin delivery in microgravity—potentially transforming diabetes care on Earth and for future Mars crews.
- Human Adaptation Studies: Monitoring cardiovascular performance, muscle deterioration, and immune response to refine space medicine protocols.
- Commercial Innovation: Testing novel tools and materials designed specifically for the low-Earth orbit environment—critical for upcoming commercial stations.
In addition to experiments, the astronauts will engage in live educational broadcasts with students in India, Hungary, and Poland, sharing the wonder of space and encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers.
🚀 Building the Future: Axiom Station in Sight
Ax‑4 plays a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the Axiom Station—the world’s first privately-funded, free-flying space station, designed to eventually succeed the ISS.
Data from this mission will support the design, logistics, and crew dynamics of long-duration orbital missions, enabling a future where commercial research, tourism, and manufacturing in space become routine.
🌐 A Mission of Global Significance
This is more than a science mission—Ax‑4 is a geopolitical and technological statement.
- India’s human spaceflight era officially begins.
- Hungary and Poland return to space with science-first agendas.
- The U.S. strengthens its leadership in commercial orbital access through Axiom and SpaceX.
“This mission proves that space is no longer a realm for just governments or superpowers,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space. “It’s becoming a stage for the world’s best minds to come together.”
📺 Where to Follow the Mission
Ax‑4 docked with the ISS on June 26, and its full operations, including experiments and educational sessions, are being streamed live and updated in real-time:
- 🎥 NASA Live: nasa.gov/nasalive
- 📡 SpaceX YouTube Channel: youtube.com/spacex
- 🌐 Axiom Mission Portal: axiomspace.com/axiom-mission-4
