Axiom-4 Mission: The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the international crew of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission docked ahead of schedule after its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS), with soft capture — a few minutes earlier than initially planned.
Taking to X, SpaceX said, “Docking confirmed!”. The docking of Axiom-4 refers to the precise and meticulously coordinated maneuver in which the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, transporting the Axiom-4 crew, successfully attaches to the International Space Station (ISS).
Docking confirmed! pic.twitter.com/EK8Acky3V1
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 26, 2025
Axiom-4 Mission: SpaceX Dragon Docking Manoeuvre
Docking with the ISS is a complex, multi-stage process involving a series of meticulously calculated burns and checkpoints. NASA has outlined key stages, beginning with the Approach Initiation from 7 km out, followed by burns like the Phase Burn, Transfer Burn, and Final Coelliptic Burn. As the spacecraft nears the ISS, it enters two critical zones—the Approach Ellipsoid and the Keep Out Sphere—invisible perimeters designed to ensure the station’s safety in case of any emergency.
India, Poland, and Hungary Make History
The mission is particularly historic for India, as it includes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, set to become the first Indian astronaut to board the ISS. His journey marks a landmark moment in India’s growing space ambitions and is the result of a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO.
Alongside him are: Peggy Whitson (Mission Commander, former NASA astronaut), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The Ax-4 mission is notable for also sending the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Wishes Pour In For Shubhanshu
Taking to X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, “Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS … waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn…. as the world watches with excitement and expectation.”
What Next?
Launched on June 25 at 2:31 a.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, the Ax-4 crew will spend approximately two weeks on the ISS for multiple works including scientific experiments and commercial activities.
