Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on a historic journey to the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone for India’s space exploration efforts while conducting vital experiments in collaboration with global space agencies.
India's Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History as First Indian on the ISS
India's Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History as First Indian on the ISS
Astronaut set to launch on Axiom-4 mission, joining an international crew for groundbreaking scientific research.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). On Wednesday, Group Captain Shukla launched on the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, which is being piloted by seasoned NASA veteran Peggy Whitson. Along with Shukla, the diverse international crew includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Their adventure began with a successful launch, which was shared via a video by private company Axiom Space, showcasing the astronauts floating within the spacecraft. The crew is anticipated to spend two weeks aboard the ISS.
Group Captain Shukla's expedition marks a significant moment in India's space history, being only the second Indian to journey into space after Rakesh Sharma, who made headlines 41 years ago in 1984 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Axiom Space announced that Ax-4 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 02:31 EDT (06:31 GMT; 12:01 India time). The crew's docking with the ISS is scheduled for 07:00 EDT (11:00 GMT; 16:30 India time) on Thursday.
This Axiom-4 mission is a collaborative effort among NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), and SpaceX. Significantly, the mission sees the two European astronauts flying into space after an absence of over 40 years. Throughout their two-week stay on the ISS, the crew is expected to conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments, which include seven initiatives designed by ISRO. ISRO, which has invested 5 billion rupees (around $59 million) to secure Shukla’s seat and his training for this mission, insists that the experience he gains will contribute to India’s ambitions for human spaceflight.
The Indian space agency has set a timeline for launching its very first human space mission by 2027, with aspirations to establish a space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Earlier today, a live communication stream by Axiom Space revealed the astronauts in conversation, with Group Captain Shukla sharing details of his initial experiences in space. "What a ride!" he exclaimed, expressing the surreal sensation of weightlessness and enjoyment of the atmosphere. Despite a rough transition into the vacuum of space, he noted he had been sleeping well, which he humorously described as a positive sign. He remarked on the unique experience of learning to float, eat, and read in microgravity, much like a child negotiating their new environment.
Amidst the crew's dialogue, the presence of Joy, a small white toy swan, dubbed Ax-4’s "fifth crew member," floated into view. Axiom described Joy as more than just a companion; it serves as a "zero-G indicator" for the crew's zero-gravity experiences. During the broadcast, Group Captain Shukla articulated the significance of having Joy onboard, symbolizing wisdom and helping to maintain focus amidst the distractions of life.
Following the successful launch, Commander Peggy Whitson unveiled the name of their spacecraft: Grace. She shared that the name represents more than just a label; it embodies the elegance of their journey through space against Earth’s backdrop, emphasizing the mission's harmony between scientific inquiry and goodwill for humanity.
Group Captain Shukla's expedition marks a significant moment in India's space history, being only the second Indian to journey into space after Rakesh Sharma, who made headlines 41 years ago in 1984 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Axiom Space announced that Ax-4 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 02:31 EDT (06:31 GMT; 12:01 India time). The crew's docking with the ISS is scheduled for 07:00 EDT (11:00 GMT; 16:30 India time) on Thursday.
This Axiom-4 mission is a collaborative effort among NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), and SpaceX. Significantly, the mission sees the two European astronauts flying into space after an absence of over 40 years. Throughout their two-week stay on the ISS, the crew is expected to conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments, which include seven initiatives designed by ISRO. ISRO, which has invested 5 billion rupees (around $59 million) to secure Shukla’s seat and his training for this mission, insists that the experience he gains will contribute to India’s ambitions for human spaceflight.
The Indian space agency has set a timeline for launching its very first human space mission by 2027, with aspirations to establish a space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Earlier today, a live communication stream by Axiom Space revealed the astronauts in conversation, with Group Captain Shukla sharing details of his initial experiences in space. "What a ride!" he exclaimed, expressing the surreal sensation of weightlessness and enjoyment of the atmosphere. Despite a rough transition into the vacuum of space, he noted he had been sleeping well, which he humorously described as a positive sign. He remarked on the unique experience of learning to float, eat, and read in microgravity, much like a child negotiating their new environment.
Amidst the crew's dialogue, the presence of Joy, a small white toy swan, dubbed Ax-4’s "fifth crew member," floated into view. Axiom described Joy as more than just a companion; it serves as a "zero-G indicator" for the crew's zero-gravity experiences. During the broadcast, Group Captain Shukla articulated the significance of having Joy onboard, symbolizing wisdom and helping to maintain focus amidst the distractions of life.
Following the successful launch, Commander Peggy Whitson unveiled the name of their spacecraft: Grace. She shared that the name represents more than just a label; it embodies the elegance of their journey through space against Earth’s backdrop, emphasizing the mission's harmony between scientific inquiry and goodwill for humanity.
