In the spring of 2025, Indian astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission that will mark India's first human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). The landmark mission, scheduled for launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, will be India's second govt-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades - Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma had gone to space as part of a Soviet mission in 1984.
The Axiom-4 mission is a result of a bilateral initiative between India and US. More than a year ago, PM Narendra Modi, during an official state visit to US, had announced that an Indian astronaut will travel to ISS. Subsequently, Isro signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight services provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup - fellow Indian astronaut, group captain Prashanth Nair - are both IAF test pilots and have joined an international crew for this mission. Its commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla's role, the mission and more with TOI on email.
"As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures," Whitson said. "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. This role involves extensive training in both the technical and operational aspects of spacecraft, ensuring he is well-prepared to contribute to the mission's goals and overall success."
In a recent Instagram live programme, Isro chairman S Somanath said that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments on ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for its Gaganyaan programme - Isro's first crewed mission - by providing valuable experience in spaceflight operations and international cooperation.
Whitson added that Axiom Space has developed thorough training programmes for astronauts, emphasising both technical skills and emergency preparedness.
"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. By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions," she said.
Elaborating on the preparations, she said Ax-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at Nasa, the Elon Musk-founded SpaceX , European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa), and other partner facilities to prepare for the mission. The training covers safety protocols, health management, and ISS systems operations.
"We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we're ready for any situation. Additionally, we receive specialised training for the research and technology demonstration payloads for the mission," she said.
The preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. The comprehensive training ensures that astronauts are well-equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of ISS.
The mission will utilise SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon's automated docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a secure journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, sets the Ax-4 mission apart from previous space endeavours.
Whitson is America's most experienced astronaut with an impressive history of 675 days in space. Her extensive experience, including her role as a two-time ISS commander and former chief of Nasa's Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. Her current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission's significance in advancing commercial space ventures.
Also part of the Ax-4 mission to ISS are specialists Slawosz Uznanski of Poland and Hungarian Tibor Kapu. Uznanski, a member of ESA's Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronics systems for space applications.
Kapu, selected for the Hungarian to Orbit (Hunor) Astronaut Programme, specialises in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
"The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realise 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 emphasises how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally," Whitson said.
The Ax-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that boost commercial activities in space.
"The mission is normalising access, allowing countries and space agencies with varying capacities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organisations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom is building a sustainable and innovative commercial space ecosystem," Whitson said.
The Axiom-4 mission is a result of a bilateral initiative between India and US. More than a year ago, PM Narendra Modi, during an official state visit to US, had announced that an Indian astronaut will travel to ISS. Subsequently, Isro signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight services provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup - fellow Indian astronaut, group captain Prashanth Nair - are both IAF test pilots and have joined an international crew for this mission. Its commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla's role, the mission and more with TOI on email.
"As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures," Whitson said. "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. This role involves extensive training in both the technical and operational aspects of spacecraft, ensuring he is well-prepared to contribute to the mission's goals and overall success."
In a recent Instagram live programme, Isro chairman S Somanath said that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments on ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for its Gaganyaan programme - Isro's first crewed mission - by providing valuable experience in spaceflight operations and international cooperation.
Whitson added that Axiom Space has developed thorough training programmes for astronauts, emphasising both technical skills and emergency preparedness.
"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. By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions," she said.
Elaborating on the preparations, she said Ax-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at Nasa, the Elon Musk-founded SpaceX , European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa), and other partner facilities to prepare for the mission. The training covers safety protocols, health management, and ISS systems operations.
"We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we're ready for any situation. Additionally, we receive specialised training for the research and technology demonstration payloads for the mission," she said.
The preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. The comprehensive training ensures that astronauts are well-equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of ISS.
The mission will utilise SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon's automated docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a secure journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, sets the Ax-4 mission apart from previous space endeavours.
Whitson is America's most experienced astronaut with an impressive history of 675 days in space. Her extensive experience, including her role as a two-time ISS commander and former chief of Nasa's Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. Her current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission's significance in advancing commercial space ventures.
Also part of the Ax-4 mission to ISS are specialists Slawosz Uznanski of Poland and Hungarian Tibor Kapu. Uznanski, a member of ESA's Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronics systems for space applications.
Kapu, selected for the Hungarian to Orbit (Hunor) Astronaut Programme, specialises in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
"The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realise 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 emphasises how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally," Whitson said.
The Ax-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that boost commercial activities in space.
"The mission is normalising access, allowing countries and space agencies with varying capacities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organisations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom is building a sustainable and innovative commercial space ecosystem," Whitson said.
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