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…
Source timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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