In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, TOI has reported.
This mission will mark India’s first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than four decades, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission with the Soviet Union.
The Ax-4 mission is the result of a collaborative initiative between India and the United States. More than a year ago, during an official state visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, a leading American company in human spaceflight services.
Shukla, an experienced IAF test pilot, will be part of an international crew, with fellow Indian astronaut and backup pilot Group Captain Prashanth Nair also from the IAF. The mission will be commanded by renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson. Sharing details of Shukla’s responsibilities, Whitson told The Times of India, “As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures. Training will prepare him to handle emergencies and perform critical system checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments.”
The Ax-4 mission is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s space capabilities, particularly as the country prepares for its own crewed mission, the Gaganyaan project. In a recent Instagram Live session, Isro Chairman S Somanath revealed that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission, gaining valuable experience in space operations and international collaboration.
Whitson further elaborated on the rigorous training that Shukla and his fellow crew members are undergoing. “We work closely with NASA and other international space agencies to ensure smooth integration with ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain astronaut health during missions,” she explained. “By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions.”
Training for the mission will be conducted at multiple facilities, including NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The preparation covers all aspects of the mission, from safety protocols and health management to ISS systems operations. According to Whitson, “We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we’re ready for any situation.”
The Ax-4 mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, known for its advanced life support systems and automated docking capabilities. This will ensure a safe journey for the crew, who will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS.
Joining Shukla and Whitson on the mission are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, an expert in radiation testing and space electronics, is a member of ESA’s 2022 Astronaut Reserve Class, while Kapu, selected for Hungary’s Hunor Astronaut Programme, brings his expertise in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
Whitson emphasized the global significance of the Ax-4 mission, saying, “The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realize the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and second govt-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.”
In addition to strengthening international cooperation, the Ax-4 mission will support the development of commercial space activities. “Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organizations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development,” Whitson explained.
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gears up for this groundbreaking mission, India is poised to make significant strides in space exploration, bolstering its role on the global stage.
(With TOI inputs)
source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)