Elon Musk has raised significant concerns regarding the long-term safety of the International Space Station (ISS), citing the aging components and advocating for its de-orbiting within two years, despite SpaceX's current involvement.

During a recent statement, Musk highlighted the potential risks associated with the aging @Space_Station components, emphasizing the need for action. He stated, 'Some parts of it are simply getting too old, and that risk grows over time.'

Despite SpaceX's substantial earnings from transporting astronauts and cargo to the ISS, Musk publicly recommended the de-orbiting of the space station within the next two years.

On another front, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is collaborating with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX to address the ISS Zvezda module observation, which caused a delay in the Ax-4 mission. This collaboration showcases the increasing partnership between India and prominent global space agencies, including those led by Musk.

V Narayanan, the Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO and Chairman Space Commission, emphasized safety and mission integrity as top priorities. ISRO reiterated its commitment to working closely with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX to address the ISS Zvezda module observation that led to the Ax-4 delay.

Recently, SpaceX announced the postponement of the Falcon 9 launch for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS due to the need for additional time to address a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak. ISRO also confirmed the delay of the Axiom-4 mission, which was set to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS.

Despite the delay, the Ax-4 mission holds significance as it includes crew members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's first mission to the space station and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over four decades.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be India's second national astronaut to venture into space since 1984, part of Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission (Ax-4). This mission signifies a historic moment for India's space collaboration with NASA, enabling a return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after more than 40 years.