ADVERTISEMENTs
-10”-x-5.png)
NASA clears crew for Axiom Mission 4 with Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot
ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to join Axiom Space’s private mission to the ISS; set to launch in spring 2025.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla / Website-axiomspace.com
NASA, in collaboration with its international partners, has officially approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will make history as the first astronaut from India to travel to the ISS, serving as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Scheduled to launch in spring 2025 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission represents a major milestone in India’s expanding role in space exploration.
The Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and travel to the space station. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission will send the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.
From left to right: Tibor Kapu of Hungary, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland. / SpaceXAxiom Space will host a virtual press conference on Jan. 30 at 9:00 a.m. CT with the crew of Axiom Mission 4. The Ax-4 crew, including Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO, India), and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (ESA/Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), will discuss their training, mission objectives, and experiences.
The crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, traveling in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS. Once docked, the astronauts are set to spend up to 14 days on board the space station, conducting research, technology demonstrations, educational outreach, and media events. This mission will be the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary participate in a space station mission.
In an X post, Axiom Space invited the press to join the first press conference with the assigned #Ax4 crew, stating: “Axiom Space is inviting the press to join the first press conference with the assigned #Ax4 crew on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9 am CT.”
Axiom Space is inviting press to join the first press conference with the assigned #Ax4 crew on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9 am CT. Press must register by noon on Jan. 29. https://t.co/dQxrEE9HbT
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) January 27, 2025
The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station.
Shubhanshu Shukla, an esteemed pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), joins a distinguished international crew in the fourth mission. The crew will conduct a range of activities, strengthening global cooperation in space exploration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced Shukla as one of the astronauts selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission in February 2024. His involvement in Axiom Mission 4 not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights India’s growing capabilities in space exploration.
This mission further emphasizes the increasing collaboration between India and international space agencies like NASA, ESA, and Axiom Space, underscoring the role of private astronaut missions in fostering global space partnerships and advancing technological innovation.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.jpg)
.JPG)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login