Chennai, June 25 (UNI) Axiom Space today said the Ax-4 mission to ISS represented a pivotal moment in the growth of commercial human spaceflight.

The crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) successfully launched today at 2:31 a.m. ET from Launch

Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is now in orbit and scheduled to dock with the International

Space Station (ISS) at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET on June 26 (1630 hrs IST), connecting

to the space-facing port of the Harmony module.

Ax-4 represents a pivotal moment in the growth of commercial human spaceflight. For the

first time in history, astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary will fly together to the ISS

as part of a government-sponsored mission--with each nation returning to human spaceflight

after more than four decades.

The Ax-4 crewmembers are Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S., Pilot Shubhanshu

Shukla of India, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Mission

Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

“This mission shows that space exploration is no longer limited to a few nations--it’s a shared

effort that reflects the best of what we can achieve together,” Commander Peggy Whitson said.

“We launched a message to the world that science, exploration, and unity transcend borders.

For me, returning to space is always a privilege. But leading this crew--representing the dreams

and determination of India, Poland, and Hungary as they return to human spaceflight--that’s

something truly special", she said.

"We’re carrying the hopes of millions who dare to look up and imagine what’s possible. This

is what the future of space looks like--bold, inclusive, and driven by purpose”, she added.

During their planned 14-day mission, the Ax-4 crew will live and work aboard the orbiting

laboratory conducting around 60 different research activities representing 31 countries.

The studies will contribute to human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and

material sciences, showcasing each country’s space research initiatives.

This mission will enable opportunities for industrial advancements and technological

development to drive discovery off the planet.

Ax-4 is a stepping stone for Axiom Space’s broader vision: the development of Axiom Station,

the world’s first commercial space station.

By conducting research, testing operational protocols, and building international partnerships

in Low-Earth orbit, Ax-4 is helping lay the groundwork for a future where commercial platforms

support sustained human presence in space.

As the AX-4 vehicle approaches for docking through crew arrival on the space station, where

they will be greeted by NASA’s Expedition Crew during a welcome ceremony.

This will begin the crew’s mission on the orbiting laboratory conducting microgravity research,

technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements.

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