Cape Canaveral (National Times): Following a flawless liftoff and separation, the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is now en route to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, named Grace. The 28.5-hour journey to the orbital outpost marks a pivotal phase in private space exploration, during which the crew undertakes several critical tasks before docking.
Precision Navigation En Route
As part of the activation and rendezvous phase, the Dragon capsule will execute a sequence of orbital burns designed to gradually align the vehicle with the ISS gradually. These precision manoeuvres are crucial for ensuring a successful autonomous docking with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.
Settling In: Rest and Meals in Orbit
Soon after launch, the Ax-4 crew will change out of their space suits to transition into more comfortable clothing suitable for microgravity. Their first meal aboard the spacecraft will follow, offering a brief taste of routine life in space.
The astronauts are also scheduled for a rest period of around eight hours during the flight. While communications will be limited, Axiom officials noted that up to three brief opportunities may arise for the ground team to connect with the crew, subject to schedule alignment and ground station availability.
Anticipated Docking and Crew Welcome
Once in proximity to the ISS, the Dragon will carry out final docking procedures, followed by vestibule pressurization, hatch opening, and the much-awaited crew ingress.
Upon arrival, Ax-4 astronauts will be welcomed by existing crew members from NASA, Japan’s JAXA, and Russia’s Roscosmos, marking a moment of international camaraderie in orbit.
Docking is currently scheduled for approximately 7:00 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. IST) on Thursday, June 26, though the timeline may adjust based on real-time mission conditions.
What’s Next?
After ingress, the Ax-4 crew will embark on their planned scientific experiments, educational outreach, and international collaborations during their stay aboard the ISS — a major step forward in the era of commercial spaceflight and low-Earth orbit research.
Stay tuned as Grace closes in on its orbital destination, ushering in another milestone for human space exploration.
