The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) has been confirmed by NASA for a launch targeting Wednesday, June 25. This mission has faced multiple delays previously due to technical challenges, adverse weather conditions, and various safety concerns, but is now set to proceed.

The diverse and highly experienced crew for the Axiom-4 mission is led by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and currently the director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, who will serve as the mission commander. Representing India's ISRO, Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the mission pilot. He will be joined by two mission specialists from the European Space Agency: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an accomplished Indian Air Force pilot from Lucknow, is set to become the second Indian to journey into space, following the pioneering footsteps of Rakesh Sharma's historic mission in 1984. Shukla brings extensive experience to the mission, boasting over 2,000 flying hours on advanced jet aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI, which will be invaluable in his role as mission pilot.

For this critical spaceflight, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft are reported to be in excellent condition and are ready for launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. All crew members are currently in pre-flight quarantine, diligently maintaining their mission-readiness as the final preparations are meticulously carried out.