Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will fly the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in the spring of 2025. This historic mission would be the first time that an Indian astronaut is stepping aboard the ISS and the second human spaceflight sponsored by the Indian government.

Who was India's first astronaut?

The Ax-4 mission follows in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who became India’s first astronaut in 1984. Now, after over four decades, Shubhanshu Shukla will represent India in space, ushering in a new era of Indian participation in international space exploration.

A major India-US collaboration

Ax-4 is a critical mission resulting from a long cooperation between India and the United States. It was while the Indian prime minister visited the US last year when the partnership was announced through Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an Indian space agency ISRO that joined an American company called Axiom Space that specializes in human spaceflight.

How Shukla and his backup being trained?

To ensure the success of the mission, Shukla and his backup, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, have been undergoing intense training with global space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Recently, the duo finished advanced training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. They are trained in mastering communication systems and emergency procedures, essential to life on the ISS. Then they headed off to JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center in Japan for training on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), which is also called Kibō.  This hands-on experience is vital for managing the complex systems within the ISS.

What will Shukla do in space?

During their 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla and his team will conduct critical scientific research in microgravity. The Indian astronaut is scheduled to perform five key experiments that will provide valuable insights for future space missions, including ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan project.

Why is this mission important for India?

Ax-4, the mission is the testimony to India's rising power in space technology and research. Moreover, it signifies the relevance of international collaboration in enhancing scientific exploration.

Shula's journey is not just a milestone for India but a step towards making the nation a player in the international arena of space missions.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for this historic journey, he represents a new generation of astronauts ready to test the limits of space exploration. With his wide training and the support of ISRO and its international partners, Shukla is making a way for India's future in space.