Leakage on ISS Forces NASA to Delay Shubhanshu Shukla's Ax-4 Mission

Axiom Space's private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed again - this time indefinitely. NASA announced on Friday that in consultation with Axiom Space and SpaceX, it has decided to stand down from the launch on June 22 to fix the air leak detected on the station's Russian side.

.@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days. https://t.co/GKAvaAd4UH — International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 19, 2025

In a statement, the agency said it needs additional time to "continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory’s Zvezda service module."

"Because of the space station’s interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data," it further said.

When on orbit, astronauts have a unique vantage point that offers an entirely fresh perspective of our planet. The #Ax4 crew honed their camera skills, learning techniques and skills to prepare them for capturing images during their mission. pic.twitter.com/i3iMDcIHP6 — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 17, 2025

While air leak has been a persistent problem on the ISS, new leakage points were identified earlier this week in Russia's Zvezda module. The leaks now need to be repaired to maintain pressure up to optimum levels inside the orbital lab. NASA earlier said that astronauts aboard the station had sealed the affected areas, stabilising pressure inside the cabin.

ALSO SEE: What Is The ISS Air Leak Which Postponed Shubhanshu Shukla's Ax-4 Mission?

Before going into quarantine, the #Ax4 crew stopped by @NASA_Marshall to complete training in the Payload Operations Center. pic.twitter.com/N0V9A6fEi8 — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 13, 2025

But the agencies involved are taking no chances as four more astronauts will join the seven already residing in the station.

Axiom-4 is being led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and debutant pilot by Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. Joining them are mission specialists Tibor Kapu and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski - also launching on their first space missions. They will spend two weeks aboard the station conducting over 60 science experiments. For now, they will continue to remain in quarantine until the launch day.

ALSO SEE: Shubhanshu Shukla Explains Purpose Of His Historic Mission To Space; 'To Inspire Entire Generation'

(Image: Axiom Space)