Launch recap: Scroll down to read live updates from the launch of the Ax-4 mission at 2:31 a.m. June 25.
Original story: Set your alarm. Get ready for a SpaceX crewed launch during the overnight hours − complete with a sonic boom.
After multiple delays, including weather, rocket issues and a leak on the International Space Station, the four astronauts of the Axiom Space Mission 4 (Ax-4) are set to lift off early June 25.
The Dragon spacecraft carrying the astronaut crew will be catching up with the ISS, therefore the launch has an instantaneous window at 2:31 a.m. from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center pad 39A.
The crew will be traveling to the ISS in a brand new Dragon, which the crew will name while in orbit. Commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson previously hinted the spacecraft name is related to the ship’s zero-g indicator − a plush swan which the crew called Joy.
If the mission launches on time, docking is estimated to be no earlier than 7 a.m. June 26.
After liftoff, expect to see views on the NASA live coverage of Joy floating inside the spacecraft as the Dragon enters into orbit around the Earth.
This mission is the fourth crew flying for the private company, Axiom Space. Whitson, who is commanding this mission, is already a record-breaking space flier.
Joining Whitson are Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Those three countries have not had a government-sponsored astronaut in more than 40 years.
The crew will travel northeast after launch. Upon reaching the ISS, they will spend approximately two weeks onboard, where they will oversee 60 science and technology experiments.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 booster launching the crew is making its second flight, previously having launched a Starlink mission.
For those waking up early to watch, this launch has another bonus: it will create a sonic boom just more than nine minutes after liftoff, as the Falcon 9 booster returns to Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Since the booster falls faster than sound, it creates a sharp boom which can be heard throughout the Space Coast.
This overnight launch is the first of a SpaceX doubleheader with a Starlink launch tentatively set for later June 25.
SpaceX Dragon Grace is in nominal orbit!
Update 2:42 a.m.: All is well. Commander Peggy Whitson called it an “incredible ride uphill”. Now the newest SpaceX Dragon, named Grace, is on the way to the ISS.
“Spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of good will,” said commander Whitson.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands
Update 2:39 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed at Cape Canaveral Landing Zone 1, completing its second mission. Expect a sonic boom to follow!
Axiom Space Ax-4 liftoff!
Update 2:31 a.m.: Liftoff! The crew is off to the ISS!
We are 10 minutes from the launch of Ax-4!
Update 2:21 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! Weather is great, and it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the night sky.
Don’t forget, this launch will bring a sonic boom approximately nine minutes past liftoff as the booster lands at Cape Canaveral.
Brevard EOC launch prep underway
Update 2:15 a.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency’s launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.
Liftoff is in just over 15 minutes!
Axiom Space launch in Florida sees company’s goals rise
Update 2:11 a.m.: T-20 minutes.
A goal of Axiom Space is to open space to multiple countries. This mission will bring Axiom’s county representation to 11. It will also bring its research payload record to 166.
SpaceX launch in Florida will see booster return to Cape Canaveral
Update 2:05 a.m.: Be alert! The first stage, also called booster, launching this mission is returning to Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station approximately eight minutes after launch. This allows for the Space Coast to hear a sonic boom.
Due to light traveling faster than sound, those watching are sure to see it before hearing it.
SpaceX fueling!
Update 1:55 a.m.: SpaceX is fueling ahead of the 2:31 a.m. liftoff. Should there be a delay, the launch would be scrubbed for the night.
SpaceX launch is go!
Update 1:53 a.m.: The wind upload is complete! The crew is closing their visors!
SpaceX still troubleshooting ahead of launch in Florida
Update 1:48 a.m.: The troubleshooting must be complete by T-37 minutes. SpaceX is currently working no other issues.
Meanwhile, SpaceX has started to retract the crew access arm ahead of launch.
SpaceX troubleshooting
Update 1:38 a.m.: SpaceX has announced it is currently troubleshooting uploading liftoff wind condition data. This is vital information needed to allow for a safe liftoff.
Weather is “phenomenal”.
SpaceX is still troubleshooting, and as of now, launch is still on for 2:31 a.m.
The Falcon 9 team is not working any issues with the rocket.
Axiom Space launch in Florida to see life sciences
Update 1:35 a.m.: The ISS National Lab is overseeing science experiments which will be flown on the mission. In total, the mission is carrying 60 experiments.
These include a project which will investigate glucose monitoring and insulin onboard the ISS. Depending on results, findings could lead to individuals with diabetes qualifying to fly in space. Currently, those with diabetes are disqualified due to the medical unknowns.
Another test by Booz Allen Hamilton will oversee biometric readings on a crew member using the Oura Ring. This project looks at analyzing and storing readings such as sleep quality and heart rate.
Other experiments will look at cancer growth, how the space environment impacts human perception, as well as plant nutrition and growth in space.
What will the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft be named?
Update 1:20 a.m.: A brand new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft – which is also set to be the final one in production – is carrying this crew to the ISS.
While the name will be revealed in orbit, Commander Peggy Whitson previously told media the name will be related to zero-g indicator, Joy.
Axiom Space Mission 4: SpaceX launch in Florida
Update 1:10 a.m.: Commander Peggy Whitson carries much experience heading into the mission. The former NASA astronaut holds the record for most time spent in space by an American.
Her space journey started 23 years ago when she launched to the ISS onboard Space Shuttle Endeavor on the STS-111 mission. Whitson stayed on the ISS as part of Expedition 5.
This mission is also her second with Axiom Space, as she flew on the Ax-2 mission in 2023 to the ISS.
Axiom Ax-4 crew settle into SpaceX Dragon before launch from Florida
Update 12:55 a.m.: The crew is settled into their brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, and awaiting the liftoff at 2:31 a.m.
It will be the first launch for three of the astronauts, with Whitson being a repeat flier on SpaceX.
SpaceX launch coverage begins
Update 12:39 a.m.: Axiom Space and SpaceX are currently live ahead of launch. The video is posted above, below the countdown clock.
Ax-4 launch tonight: SpaceX launch in Florida weather outlook
Update 12:30 a.m.: The 45th Weather Squadron has predicted a 90% chance of favorable conditions for this launch.
Should the mission not launch tonight, the weather decreases greatly for tomorrow’s opportunity. Not only are liftoff conditions expected to deteriorate, but ascent corridor conditions become moderate as well. Ascent corridor, or the path the rocket travels, must be clear of poor weather in case of an abort situation.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is heading northeast upon liftoff, providing those north of the Space Coast with a great view.
Axiom launch in Florida: Crew heads to launch pad
Update 12:15 a.m.: The four astronauts of the Ax-4 mission stopped by the NASA VAB to wave goodbye to family and friends before heading off to prepare for launch.
FLORIDA TODAY photographer, Craig Bailey, captured the moment Tuesday night.
At 2:31 a.m. the four will lift off in a brand new SpaceX Dragon atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Launch recap: Axiom Space astronauts launch on SpaceX rocket in Florida overnight
Reporting by Brooke Edwards, Florida Today / Florida Today
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