India’s First Astronaut to ISS Set for Ax-4 Mission

September 20, 2024

In 2025, India will make history again in space with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla piloting the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. This mission will be India’s first human presence on the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second government-sponsored human spaceflight from India, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.

Background of the mission

The Ax-4 mission is part of a bigger plan between India and the United States. This collaboration was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the U.S. To make it happen, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an agreement with Axiom Space, an American company that specializes in sending humans to space.

Astronaut Selection

Shubhanshu Shukla, the astronaut chosen to pilot the mission, is a test pilot in the Indian Air Force. He will be backed up by Group Captain Prashanth Nair, also from the Indian Air Force. They will join an international team led by Peggy Whitson, an experienced astronaut in charge of the mission’s operations and training.

Mission Training

Astronauts like Shubhanshu Shukla undergo a lot of preparation before they go into space. Their training covers everything from how to operate spacecraft to handling emergencies and conducting scientific experiments. Shukla will focus on learning how to navigate and dock the spacecraft, as well as how to help with research while staying 14 days on the ISS.

During his time on the ISS, Shukla will perform five experiments in microgravity. These experiments will not only help with scientific research but also contribute to India’s future space missions, especially the Gaganyaan program, which aims to send India’s first crewed mission into space.

Technological Aspects

The mission will use advanced technology from SpaceX, including the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon is known for its automated systems that make docking with the ISS easier and its advanced life support systems, which help keep astronauts safe.

The Ax-4 mission will involve astronauts from Poland and Hungary, making it a truly international effort. This highlights the growing collaboration between countries in space exploration and paves the way for more nations to participate in future space missions.

About the Axiom-4 mission

The Axiom-4 mission is part of NASA’s private astronaut program, which allows commercial companies like Axiom Space to send astronauts to the ISS. This will be the fourth mission in the series, following Axiom-1, Axiom-2, and Axiom-3. The Crew Dragon spacecraft will be used for the mission, and the crew may include private astronauts or commercial participants. The mission’s goals are to conduct scientific research, demonstrate new technologies, and strengthen international partnerships for future space exploration.

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