SpaceX has once again made headlines with an exciting new mission to space. On June 25, the company launched its latest Dragon spacecraft, carrying four astronauts as part of the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which was developed in collaboration with Axiom Space, is about more than just reaching orbit; it is about research, teamwork, and history. The Ax-4 crew consists of astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, all of whom are making their first visit to the ISS.
The mission, led by experienced astronaut Peggy Whitson, will conduct new scientific experiments and encourage young people around the world. After weeks of delays, the rocket finally launched into the early morning sky, marking a significant step forward in international space travel.
A Big Day for Space Travel
Early in the morning on June 25, something amazing happened. SpaceX launched a brand-new Dragon spacecraft into the sky. The mission, called Ax-4, is a team-up between SpaceX and Axiom Space. It carried four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) — all from different countries and backgrounds. The rocket lifted off at 2:31 a.m. from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft for this trip was named “Grace” by the Ax-4 crew, following a fun tradition that lets the first crew pick a name.
This mission was delayed for two weeks. At first, strong winds caused a pause. Then, a small leak in the rocket and another on the ISS delayed it further. But finally, the weather cleared, the issues were stable, and the mission was a “go.” The Ax-4 team is now on their way to make history — and science — in space.
Meet the Amazing Crew
Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, leads the Ax-4 crew. She’s already been to space four times! Now working with Axiom, this is her fifth mission. She’s the most experienced U.S. astronaut ever, with nearly 700 days in space.
Joining her are three first-timers:
Shubhanshu Shukla from India
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland
Tibor Kapu from Hungary
This is the first ISS trip ever for astronauts from these countries. Peggy shared her excitement:
“I’m sure this crew is going to be inspiring a whole new generation of young people.”
Before launch, the astronauts were driven to the rocket in Tesla cars. At the pad, they got into their seats inside Dragon “Grace.” At the countdown, the Falcon 9 rocket lit up the dark sky. Within two minutes, it had reached the edge of space. Then, the rocket’s first stage broke away and landed safely back on Earth. The second stage carried Dragon further up into low-Earth orbit. Just minutes later, Dragon separated and began heading toward the ISS.
The astronauts even brought a plush toy swan named “Joy” to float around and show when they reached zero gravity!
Science, Tech, and Education in Space
The Ax-4 mission isn’t just about flying to the International Space Station — it’s about making the most of every minute up there. The crew has a packed schedule for their two-week stay. They plan to complete over 60 science experiments, covering topics like space health, materials testing, and Earth observation. This is the highest number of experiments ever done on an Axiom mission.
Some of these experiments are being supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the governments of Poland and Hungary. 25 of them come from Hungary’s HUNOR astronaut program. These tests are designed to help scientists on Earth understand how space affects the human body, how we can build better technology, and how to prepare for longer missions in the future.
Alongside science, Ax-4 is also focused on education and outreach. The astronauts will take part in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) events with students from their home countries — India, Poland, and Hungary. They’ll show what life is like in space, answer questions, and inspire the next generation of space explorers.
Peggy Whitson explained the importance of these goals:
“They will have a number of different scientific, technological, and educational goals as part of their missions from each of the countries.”
In short, Ax-4 isn’t just a journey — it’s a mission to learn, teach, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in space.
Dreams Come True
Each of the new astronauts has a powerful story.
Shukla was inspired by Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut. Now he’s on his space mission, after flying jets in the Indian Air Force.
Uznański-Wiśniewski was born on April 12, the same date as Yuri Gagarin’s first spaceflight. His mom always called it “Cosmo Day.” He later worked at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.
Kapu, the youngest, is a scientist in space radiation protection. He hopes Hungary will become a strong part of the global space community. Kapu said:
“We want to sit at the same table with the giants, with the bigger players.”
What Happens Next?
After launch, Dragon takes approximately 28 hours to reach the ISS. The Ax-4 crew is anticipated to dock on June 26. Seven astronauts who are currently on board the space station will welcome them. There will be a little welcome ceremony before they begin work.
The weather will determine how they get home. If everything goes well, they will return in early July. To avoid past debris difficulties, SpaceX will return them to Earth via the Pacific Ocean rather than the Atlantic.
Why This Mission Matters
The Ax-4 mission is a big deal for many reasons. It shows how space is no longer just for a few countries or government astronauts. Today, private companies like Axiom Space are helping more people reach space, including astronauts from countries that haven’t been to the International Space Station (ISS) before.
This mission marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary are traveling to the ISS. It’s a historic moment for these nations and a step forward for their space programs. As Commander Peggy Whitson said:
“Through this commercial space opportunity, we are accelerating the national space programs in each of these three countries and creating new pathways for technological advancements.”
Ax-4 also helps build global teamwork in science and space exploration. Researchers from 31 countries will be studying the results of Ax-4’s experiments. This means more people around the world will benefit from what’s learned in space. NASA’s Dana Weigel explained it well:
“Each country brings something different. It really expands what we can do with research.”
The mission also gives hope to young people. Seeing astronauts from different cultures and backgrounds work together in space can inspire a new generation to dream bigger, whether they want to be scientists, engineers, or future astronauts.
“Ax-4 is more than just a spaceship; it’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can learn, explore, and dream beyond the stars.”
