Updated : Jun 26, 2025, 08:47 AM IST TRENDING NOW Mika Singh calls Diljit Dosanjh 'fake singer', slams him for casting Pakistan's Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3: 'After doing shows in India...' The Axiom-4 mission, piloted by Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is poised to dock at the International Space Station on Thursday (June 26, 2025). After several delays, the Ax-4 crew successfully lifted off on June 25 into space onboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The Ax-4 launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am(Eastern Time) on Wednesday. After a successful lift off, the Dragon aircraft capsule ‘Grace’ has separated from Falcon 9. It is orbiting Earth at 27,000kmph. For over the next few hours, it will execute precise thruster burns to fine-tune its orbit and align with the International Space Station's trajectory. Axiom 4 to dock with ISS today: Check timings As per NASA, Axiom Space and SpaceX, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to attempt docking at the International Space Station around 7 AM EST - 4:30 PM IST. "The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 26," said NASA. During the docking, laser sensors and cameras will guide the Dragon capsule to precisely align with the ISS's Harmony module. The capsule will be gently pulled into place by magnetic guides and then secured by mechanical latches. After ensuring a secure connection through pressure and leak checks, the hatch will be opened for crew transfer. Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serves as pilot. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The astronauts are using the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which provides them with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA with commercially developed human systems needed to access, live and work on and around the Moon. The Ax-4 mission is going to conduct major research. The research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. Where to watch the Axiom-4 mission docking ceremony Axiom Space, NASA+, and SpaceX channels will livestream Axiom 4 docking starting at 5 AM EDT (2:30 PM IST). It will cover the docking ceremony, where the crew will be welcomed by NASA's Expedition 71 crew (not 73) during a special ceremony aboard the space station. (With inputs from ANI)