Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom 4 Launch Live Streaming: Where To Watch SpaceX Rocket Launch Online For Free?

India is on the brink of a significant moment in space exploration, as the much-awaited Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station is all set for liftoff today. After six previous delays, the launch is finally scheduled to proceed - and it's particularly special for India, with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla joining the four-member international crew.

This mission marks a landmark occasion not just for India but also for Hungary and Poland, each sending astronauts back into orbit after a long hiatus. The crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Joining Shukla on the mission are Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut from the U.S., Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Notably, Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 mission.

Launch Schedule and Details

Launch Time: 2:31 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 25 (12:01 p.m. IST)

Rocket & Capsule: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a brand-new Dragon spacecraft

Docking Time: Expected at 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on Thursday, June 26

Axiom Mission 4 also represents a milestone for India's space program, as it marks the country's first astronaut mission to the ISS under a private commercial programme. Shukla, a former officer of the Indian Air Force, will serve as the mission's pilot. Leading the mission is Peggy Whitson, now Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space.

The other two members - Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu - will act as mission specialists, representing Poland and Hungary, respectively.

A Mission Years in the Making

The path to launch has not been smooth. The mission faced repeated delays due to adverse weather, technical glitches in the Falcon 9 rocket, and ongoing repairs to the Russian segment of the ISS. However, SpaceX has now given the green light.

"All systems are looking good for Wednesday's launch of @Axiom_Space's Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station and weather is 90% favourable for liftoff," the company posted on X.

A Symbol of Global Collaboration

This mission stands as a testament to international space diplomacy. It was conceived following a 2020 agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ax-4 becomes the first commercial ISS mission to include astronauts from India, Hungary, and Poland.

Shukla, known by his callsign "Shuks," carries the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, but under a new, commercialised space age rather than the geopolitical space race of the 1980s.

Where to Watch the Launch Live

Netizens and space enthusiasts can tune in to watch the launch live via on the NASA+ website and its YouTube channel for free.

Also, people can watch the history moment on the SpaceX's official website and social media handles.

The @SpaceX handle on X (formerly Twitter), where a live webcast will begin about 2 hours before launch

Mission Objectives and Duration

Once aboard the ISS, the crew will spend approximately two weeks conducting scientific experiments, engaging in educational outreach, and supporting various commercial objectives. The mission blends cutting-edge science with international camaraderie and commercial spaceflight's expanding reach.