NASA reschedules Axiom Mission 4 launch to June 22

News Desk: NASA has once again postponed the launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), now targeting no earlier than Sunday, June 22, 2025. 

The delay follows ongoing assessments by NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX related to recent repair work on the aft section of the Russian-built Zvezda service module aboard the ISS. Officials said the postponement is aimed at ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the station before welcoming a new crew of private astronauts.

Originally slated for an earlier launch, the Ax-4 mission will lift off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission will feature a multinational crew of private astronauts engaging in scientific research, outreach activities, and technology demonstrations during their stay on the orbiting laboratory.

This marks the latest in a series of launch schedule adjustments as agencies coordinate efforts to maintain ISS integrity while advancing commercial spaceflight.

NASA and its partners are expected to provide an updated launch window and additional mission details in the coming days.