Why in News?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts shortlisted for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) space mission, launching on 10 June 2025 from the USA.
About Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission:
What is Ax-4?
Ax-4 is the fourth human spaceflight mission by Axiom Space, a U.S.-based commercial space company.
It is a 14-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) focusing on scientific research and international cooperation.
Launch Details:
-
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
- Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule
- Associated Organisation:
Axiom Space (USA) is executing the mission in collaboration with:- NASA (space infrastructure and launch support)
- ESA (European Space Agency)
- Partner countries including India, Poland, and Hungary
- Crew Members and National Significance:
| Astronaut | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Peggy Whitson | USA | Mission Commander |
| Shubhanshu Shukla | India | Pilot |
| Sławosz Uznański | Poland (ESA) | Mission Specialist |
| Tibor Kapu | Hungary | Mission Specialist |
- Objectives of the Ax-4 Mission:
- Conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries
- Research domains:
- Human health in microgravity
- Life and material sciences
- Earth observation and space biology
- Promote international STEM education, academic outreach, and industry collaboration
- Advance low-Earth orbit (LEO) research and redefine public-private partnerships in space
- Conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries
- Importance For India:
- Experience for Gaganyaan: Shukla’s role provides critical pilot training ahead of ISRO’s 2027 Gaganyaan mission
- Boost to Indigenous Missions: Data and operational knowledge from Ax-4 will help in docking procedures for India’s upcoming SpaDeX missions and the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (2035)
- Science Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s position as a global contributor to space science and microgravity research
- Experience for Gaganyaan: Shukla’s role provides critical pilot training ahead of ISRO’s 2027 Gaganyaan mission
- About International Space Station (ISS)? The International Space Station (ISS) is a large, habitable satellite that orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometres. It serves as a unique microgravity laboratory, supporting scientific research across various disciplines such as physics, biology, astronomy, and materials science.
