Space

The Axiom Mission 4

The rise to commercial space flight

By: Kawa Gyatso, Journalist

March 7, 2025

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Meet The Crew:

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, set to launch from Florida in spring 2025. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the mission, with ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, and ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary as mission specialists. Dana Weigel from NASA’s ISS Program noted that such missions expand access to the unique microgravity environment as NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit.

The Objective:

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and aim to spend up to 14 days at the space station, focusing on scientific, outreach, and commercial activities. This mission is significant, marking the first time ISRO, Poland, and Hungary will send astronauts to the ISS, with Whitson highlighting the crew’s dedication and teamwork in advancing space exploration.

Background Context:

Ax-4 follows previous missions, contributing to over 24 years of continuous human presence on the ISS. NASA’s strategy aims to develop a low Earth economy while focusing on Artemis missions to the Moon and future Mars missions.

How It Impacts Humanity:

Shubhanshu Shukla will become India’s second astronaut in space since 1984, while Sławosz Uznański will be the second Polish astronaut since 1978, and Tibor Kapu will represent Hungary as its second astronaut since 1980. With Whitson adding to her record for the longest cumulative time in space by an American, the Ax-4 mission exemplifies Axiom Space’s role in enhancing global national space programs.