NASA has shown a green signal to the Axiom-4 mission which will be piloted by India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The 14-day mission to the International Space Station will include a team of four astronauts. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who also serves as the director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the mission. Shubhanshu Shukla, representing ISRO, will take on the role of the pilot for this commercial venture.
“I am excited to see the growing interest and commitment to private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station. These missions play a crucial role in paving the way for the future of low Earth orbit and broadening access to the unique microgravity environment,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program.
The crew will travel to the space station aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Once they arrive and dock, the private astronauts will spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station. Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He is also a member of the Indian Air Force and has been selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission.
Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He is also a member of the Indian Air Force and has been selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission.
Peggy Whitson, who will command the Axiom-4 mission, praised the diverse crew, saying, “Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavor, but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork."
The Axiom Mission 1, the first private astronaut mission to the ISS, launched in April 2022 for a 17-day mission. Axiom Mission 2, the second private astronaut mission, was also commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts.
The mission marks a major collaboration between India and the United States, a partnership that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US last year. In preparation for the mission, Shubhanshu Shukla and his backup, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, have undergone rigorous training with international space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).