2024-09-22 11:41:27
New Delhi: Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to create history. He will be the pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission in 2025. Under this mission, an Indian astronaut will reach the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. This historic mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This will be India’s second government-sponsored human space flight in more than four decades. Earlier in 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma traveled to space as part of a Soviet mission.
PM Modi had announced this during his US visit
The Axiom-4 mission is taking place under a bilateral initiative between India and the US. Last year, PM Narendra Modi, during his official visit to the US, announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, ISRO signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight service provider and infrastructure developer.
Both astronauts are Air Force test pilots
Shubhanshu Shukla and his backup partner Group Captain Prashant Nair are both test pilots of the Indian Air Force. They have joined an international team for this mission. Its commander Peggy Whitson shared Shukla’s role, the mission and other important details with TOI over email.
Mission commander gave information
He said, ‘As an Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in essential spacecraft operations such as navigation and docking procedures. The training given to him will prepare him to handle emergencies and perform critical system checks. Apart from this, Shukla will also look after scientific research by conducting microgravity experiments and management. This role involves extensive training in both technical and operational aspects of the spacecraft, ensuring that he is well prepared to contribute to the goals and overall success of the mission.’
Astronauts continue their training
In a recent Instagram Live, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said that Indian astronauts will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India in space flight operations and international collaboration for its Gaganyaan programme. Whitson said Axiom Space has conducted intensive training for the astronauts, emphasizing both technical skills and emergency preparedness.
The ISRO chief said, ‘We are working closely with NASA and other international space agencies for the ISS mission. Apart from this, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain the health of astronauts during the mission. By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to minimize risks and ensure the success of our missions.’
Agencies of many countries are working
Elaborating on the preparations, he said the Axe-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at NASA, Elon Musk-founded SpaceX, European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other partner facilities to prepare for the mission. This training includes safety protocols, health management and ISS system operations.
Whitson is America’s most experienced astronaut with an impressive history of 675 days in space. She has been a two-time ISS commander. Her current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space emphasizes the mission’s importance in advancing crewed space. Also part of the Ax-4 mission to the ISS are Slawosz Uznanski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.