SpaceX, Axiom Space, and NASA launch Axiom 4, three new countries arrive at the International Space Station
FLORIDA, USA: SpaceX and Axiom Space, in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)—launched the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission—Axiom's 4th private astronaut flight to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew of four astronauts rode aboard a Falcon 9 rocket inside the new C213 Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace, which lifted off at 2:31 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Carrying four unique crew members from four different countries—three of which have recently returned to spaceflight and are launching their first missions to the ISS—this mission aims to "realize the return," symbolizing these nations' reentry into crewed space exploration. The countries represented on this mission are the United States, India, Poland, and Hungary—the last three of which are the ones returning to space after a period of absence. Each of these countries will conduct various scientific experiments and research during their estimated 14-day stay on board the ISS.
After launch, the spacecraft did a series of maneuvers to catch up with the Space Station. Approximately 28 hours after launch, the Crew Dragon “Grace” also docked with the ISS on Thursday, June 26 at 6:31 a.m. ET, successfully sending the four-person crew onboard the orbiting laboratory.
Table of Contents
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Vehicles utilized for the mission
The Crew Dragon spacecraft used for this mission is the C213 Dragon Spacecraft named Grace, which is currently on its first flight to the International Space Station.
Aside from the Crew Dragon spacecraft, the Falcon 9 carrying the spacecraft to space is B1094, which is currently on its second flight. The booster previously launched a single Starlink mission.
Mission timeline: launch to deployment
At 2:31 UTC, Falcon 9 ignited its nine Merlin engines and lifted off with the Dragon Spacecraft C213, also called Grace. The vehicle reached Maximum Aerodynamic Pressure (Max-Q) at a mission duration of 57 seconds.
At 2 minutes and 25 seconds, all nine Merlin engines shut off in preparation for stage separation. Staging proceeded as usual. Three seconds after that, the second stage ignited its Merlin Vacuum (MVac) engine eight seconds after staging.
At 2 minutes and 42 seconds, the Merlin engines on the first stage re-ignited for the boost back burn, which was completed successfully approximately 40 seconds after the boost back procedure began.
At 7 minutes and 22 seconds, which is a minute after the entry burn, Falcon 9 conducted its landing burn, together with the deployment of the landing legs. The booster successfully touched down at Landing Zone 1 seconds after, completing the booster's second flight and landing.
At 8 minutes and 48 seconds, the second stage shut down its engines, which gave way for the separation of the Dragon spacecraft. This occurred approximately 50 seconds later, marking the completion of the first phase of the mission.
Docking of spacecraft
After launch, the spacecraft did a series of maneuvers to catch up with the Space Station. Approximately 28 hours after launch, the Crew Dragon “Grace” also docked with the ISS on Thursday, June 26 at 6:31 a.m. ET, successfully sending the four-person crew onboard the orbiting laboratory. The hatch was opened successfully later on, and the quartet crew entered the ISS with a warm welcome from the crew onboard the station.
Meet the quartet crew
Photo Credit: Axiom Space
Carrying four unique crew members from four different countries—three of which have recently returned to spaceflight and are launching their first missions to the ISS—this mission aims to "realize the return," symbolizing these nations' reentry into crewed space exploration. The countries represented on this mission are the United States, India, Poland, and Hungary—the last three of which are the ones returning to space after a period of absence. Let’s learn a little background on the four and how they contribute to the success of this mission.
(All photos of the astronauts are credited to: Axiom Space)
Peggy Whitson
MISSION ROLE: Mission Commander
COUNTRY REPRESENTED: United States
The most experienced astronaut in America, garnering 675 days in space since the Axiom-2 mission, one of the previous missions by Axiom Space.
Shubhanshu Shukla
MISSION ROLE: Pilot
COUNTRY REPRESENTED: India
He is the second Indian astronaut to reach space, and the first ever to visit the International Space Station.
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski
MISSION ROLE: Mission Specialist
COUNTRY REPRESENTED: Poland
He is the second Polish astronaut to reach space, and the first ever to visit the International Space Station.
Tibor Kapu
MISSION ROLE: Mission Specialist
COUNTRY REPRESENTED: Hungary
He is the second Hungarian astronaut to reach space, and the first ever to visit the International Space Station.
Payloads and experiments carried
During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments and demonstrations focused on human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences. A complete list and more in-depth review of all the payloads being carried on this mission can be found HERE on Axiom Space's website.
This is KYNNMASTER 123 for TWS: The Weekly Spaceman, see you in the next one! 😁
