How India’s ISRO Team Helped Avert a Major Risk Before Axiom-4 Launch
In a moment that underscores the growing role of India in global space missions, a team of Indian scientists played a crucial role in identifying a potentially hazardous issue just weeks before the Axiom-4 mission launched into space. This behind-the-scenes intervention could very well have prevented a serious incident in what was a high-stakes, crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Axiom-4 mission, which finally launched on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carried four astronauts aboard a SpaceX rocket — including India’s very own Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. But the journey to the launchpad was far from smooth.
Originally scheduled for takeoff in late May, the mission faced several delays. A key turning point came on June 8 during routine engine testing, when a small oxygen leak and an actuator anomaly were discovered. At the time, the issues were considered minor. However, the Indian contingent, consisting of 18 scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), including the chairperson and the director of the Human Space Flight Centre, had their doubts.
They insisted on a deeper inspection — a request that turned out to be critical. Further checks revealed a crack in the oxidiser line, which carries liquid oxygen used to power the rocket. For a mission carrying humans, this was no small matter. Left unchecked, it could have jeopardized the entire launch, and more importantly, the lives of those on board.
Thankfully, the crack was repaired and other necessary fixes were made. Though it pushed the launch timeline back further, the decision to investigate thoroughly proved to be a wise and possibly life-saving call.
While technical repairs were underway, another delay surfaced — this time due to a separate issue on the ISS itself. A leak was found in the Zvezda module, a critical Russian-built section that provides life support and docking capabilities. This required international collaboration and evaluation, further postponing the mission until late June.
Throughout all of this, the Indian team remained deeply involved — stationed both at the Kennedy Space Center and at mission control in Houston. From real-time monitoring of astronaut vitals to assisting in emergency protocols, they were actively engaged in all aspects of the mission’s operations.
The mission turned out to be not just a successful spaceflight, but also a massive learning experience for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. According to ISRO’s leadership, the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced space agencies offered invaluable insights. The exposure covered everything from interpreting telemetry and making split-second decisions, to supporting astronauts during launch, orbit, and re-entry.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s role in the mission was especially significant. For India, his journey wasn’t just about planting a flag in space; it was about gathering the kind of hands-on, practical experience that’s essential for future missions. His time spent in microgravity, his adaptation to an isolated space environment, and the experience of returning to Earth safely are all being carefully documented. ISRO has asked him to record every detail of his time in space — creating an educational goldmine for future astronauts in India.
Currently, Shukla is undergoing post-mission reconditioning in the United States and is expected to remain in quarantine until the first week of August. Once cleared, he will debrief with space authorities and return home by mid-month.
This mission is more than just a milestone for one astronaut or one agency. It signals a growing maturity in India’s space exploration goals. With plans to establish an Indian space station by 2035 and even send humans to the Moon by 2040, ISRO is laying the foundation for a sustained human spaceflight program — including setting up a permanent astronaut corps and a regular training cycle.
The success of the Axiom-4 mission, and the crucial intervention made by the Indian team, showcases not just technical skill, but a commitment to safety, collaboration, and learning. It’s a reminder that India isn’t just participating in the space race — it’s quickly becoming one of its most thoughtful and capable contenders.
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