Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a landmark international spaceflight that signifies the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in over 40 years. Scheduled for launch no earlier than May 29, 2025, the mission will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to propel a Crew Dragon spacecraft into low Earth orbit.
Mission Overview
- Launch Date: No earlier than May 29, 2025, at 17:00 UTC (10:30 PM IST)
- Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Mission Duration: Approximately 14–21 days
- Docking Port: Harmony module’s zenith port on the International Space Station (ISS)
- Landing Site: Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, Oceanside, or San Diego
Meet the Crew
- Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA) – A veteran astronaut with the longest cumulative time in space by an American, returning to command her second commercial human spaceflight mission .
- Pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), he will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984 .
- Mission Specialist: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) – An ESA project astronaut, he will be the second Polish astronaut since 1978 .
- Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Representing the Hungarian Space Office, he will be Hungary’s second astronaut since 1980 .
International Collaboration
Ax-4 exemplifies global cooperation in space exploration:
- India: ISRO’s participation marks a significant step in its human spaceflight program, providing valuable experience ahead of its own Gaganyaan mission .
- Poland: Through ESA, Poland continues its engagement in human spaceflight, building on its space heritage .
- Hungary: The mission supports Hungary’s HUNOR program, aiming to enhance its capabilities in space research and technology development.
Educational Outreach
Beyond scientific research, Ax-4 is committed to educational outreach, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. The crew will engage in various activities to share their experiences and promote STEM education worldwide .
Axiom Mission 4 is more than just a journey to the stars, it’s a powerful symbol of international unity, scientific progress, and human ambition. As astronauts from four nations come together aboard the International Space Station, they carry not only their countries’ flags, but also the hopes of a world inspired by exploration and discovery. This mission stands as a milestone in the ongoing evolution of commercial spaceflight, offering a glimpse into a future where the boundaries of science and nationality dissolve in pursuit of a greater purpose. For students, educators, and dreamers alike, Ax-4 is a vivid reminder that space is not just a destination—it’s a classroom, a laboratory, and a canvas for humanity’s boldest aspirations.