Ax-4 mission marks historic spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary
SpaceX and the Ax-4 crew finished launch day preparations. The Ax-4 mission will launch on Tuesday from Kennedy Space Center. Shubhanshu Shukla represents India on this mission. It marks India, Poland, and Hungary's return to human spaceflight. The mission includes many scientific studies. It will advance microgravity research. This mission highlights international collaboration in space.
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The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams have successfully completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of their scheduled liftoff on Tuesday, June 10, SpaceX said in a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle."The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday," SpaceX stated.The Ax-4 mission , launched by Axiom Space , features an international crew from the United States, India, Poland , and Hungary Representing India is Ax-4 mission pilot Shubhanshu Shukla , announced by Axiom Space on their X handle, alongside acknowledgment from ISRO The mission is targeted for launch at 8:22 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 10, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.The International Space Station also acknowledged the upcoming mission on their official X handle.According to Axiom Space, the Ax-4 mission will "realize the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years. While this is the second human spaceflight mission in history for these countries, it will be the first time all three will execute a mission aboard the International Space Station. This historic mission highlights how Axiom Space is redefining access to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years, according to Axiom Space.Shubhanshu Shukla will be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.Slawosz Uznanski, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut, will be the second Polish astronaut since 1978.Tibor Kapu will be the second national Hungarian astronaut since 1980.Peggy Whitson will command her second commercial human spaceflight mission, adding to her standing record for the longest cumulative time in space by an American astronaut.Ax-4 will be the second commercial spaceflight mission made up of government and ESA-sponsored national astronauts. The Ax-4 mission stands as a beacon of opportunity for India, Poland, and Hungary, each poised to leverage this mission to advance their national space programs.The Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station to date, underscoring the mission's global significance and collaborative nature to advance microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO), per Axiom Space.The mission emphasizes scientific portfolios led by the U.S., India, Poland (in partnership with ESA), and Hungary. It aims to boost participation in these countries by involving diverse stakeholders, showcasing the value of microgravity research, and fostering international collaboration.The studies will enhance global knowledge in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, demonstrating the space research capabilities of the crew's home nations.
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NDTV
22 minutes ago
- NDTV
Lucknow To Low Earth Orbit: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Heads to Space Lab
India is all set to send its second astronaut into space, nearly four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made history in 1984. This time, the mission is not with Russia but in collaboration with the United States, under the Indo-US Axiom-4 mission, also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga. Space history in the making India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will walk in the footsteps of Astronaut Neil Armstrong, but Mr Shukla is not going to the moon. On his fortnight mission, Mr Shukla will travel to the orbiting International Space Laboratory. Astronaut Shukla says, "As I prepare to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts." Mr Shukla considers himself fortunate to have opportunity to fly all his life. With this, he wishes to inspire an entire generation, generate curiosity among kids and leave a lasting impact. Recalling his journey, Mr Shukla called it a "long" one and added, "I have been extremely fortunate and lucky to have the opportunities to fly all my life, which was a dream job for me, apply to the astronaut corps, and now, consequently, be here. Probably a week before we arrived at Axiom, I came to know that I would be going. It is my sincere endeavour through my mission to inspire an entire generation back home in the country. I want to use this opportunity to ignite curiosity among kids. Even if this story, my story, can change one life, it will be a huge success for me." Astronaut Shukla is "extremely excited" to fly to space. Charming it is since this historic second flight for an Indian astronaut will take place from the same haloed Launch Complex 39 A at the Kennedy Space Center from which Astronaut Neil Armstrong lifted off on the Apollo 11 mission on July 16, 1969, to make history by becoming the first human to step on the moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force (IAF), as the prime astronaut for this historic flight. He is currently in pre-launch quarantine, a standard protocol to ensure astronauts are medically fit and isolated from potential infections before lift-off. Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Mr Shukla is the youngest among the four astronaut designates trained under India's Gaganyaan program. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the IAF on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream. A decorated Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, he has logged approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. When NDTV asked Group Captain Shukla about his first sortie into space and if he was confident of pulling it off, and having a happy splashdown or happy landing, he replied in his calm style. "Yes, this is my first sortie to space, and over the past year, we have been training rigorously for this mission. I feel very confident, not just in my ability, but in the ability of this team sitting here to execute this mission successfully," he said. The Axiom-4 mission, operated by Houston-based Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, will carry a four-member international crew aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes Dr Peggy Whitson from the United States as mission commander, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Dr Whitson, a 64-year-old biochemist and former NASA astronaut, is the most experienced American astronaut with 675 days in space. Her extensive experience includes 10 spacewalks totalling over 60 hours, and she currently serves as Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. Her leadership is expected to provide invaluable mentorship to Mr Shukla during the mission. The backup astronaut for Mission Akash Ganga is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the oldest among the astronaut designates. Born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, Mr Nair is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was awarded the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned in 1998, he is a Category-A Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has commanded a premier Su-30 squadron and is an alumnus of the United States Staff College. Experts believe ISRO's decision to select the youngest astronaut as the prime candidate aligns with India's long-term vision for human spaceflight. With plans to send an Indian to the Moon by 2040, grooming younger astronauts ensures continuity and experience for future missions. Mission Akash Ganga was born out of the India-US joint statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States in June 2023. The agreement envisioned a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS, marking a new chapter in Indo-US space cooperation. During the mission, Mr Shukla-referred to by colleagues as "Shux" because of his call sign -will not only serve as the mission pilot but also conduct scientific research and technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS. ISRO has also indicated that he will participate in space outreach activities, helping to inspire the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. The mission is a significant leap for India's space ambitions. It demonstrates the country's readiness to participate in commercial and international spaceflight programs and lays the groundwork for more complex missions in the future, including lunar exploration. As Mr Shukla prepares for launch, he carries the hopes of a billion Indians eager to see their nation take its place among the world's leading spacefaring countries. With a seasoned commander like Dr Whitson by his side and a diverse international crew, Mission Akash Ganga promises to be a landmark in India's cosmic journey. "I have exceptional crewmates," says Mr Shukla, adding, "I will have these crew members for this one flight. But post this mission, these are going to be my friends for life. It has been an amazing journey. These are moments that tell you that you are getting to be a part of something much larger than yourself. I can only say how fortunate I am to be a part of this."
News18
32 minutes ago
- News18
India's Shubhanshu Shukla Set For Historic Space Mission As Ax-4 Crew Completes Launch Rehearsal
Last Updated: Representing India on this mission is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will serve as the Ax-4 mission pilot. The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams have successfully completed a full rehearsal of launch day procedures ahead of their scheduled lift-off on Tuesday, June 10, SpaceX announced in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. 'The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday," the company stated. The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday — SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 8, 2025 Representing India on this mission is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will serve as the Ax-4 mission pilot. His participation was announced by Axiom Space on their official X handle, with additional recognition from ISRO. The mission is scheduled to lift off at 8:22 am ET on June 10 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The International Space Station also acknowledged the upcoming mission on its X platform, highlighting its global relevance. According to Axiom Space, Ax-4 marks a significant return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, each undertaking its first government-sponsored mission in over 40 years. While all three nations have sent humans to space before, this will be their first time aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A Milestone For India's Human Spaceflight Journey Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become India's second national astronaut to go to space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Similarly, Slawosz Uznanski of the European Space Agency (ESA) will be Poland's second astronaut since 1978, and Tibor Kapu will be Hungary's second since 1980. Commanding the Ax-4 mission will be Peggy Whitson, a spaceflight veteran and record-holder for the longest cumulative time in space by an American astronaut. This will also be her second time leading a commercial human spaceflight mission. The Ax-4 mission is also notable for being only the second commercial spaceflight made up entirely of government and ESA-sponsored astronauts, underscoring Axiom Space's role in expanding international access to low-Earth orbit. Science-Led Mission With Global Collaboration The Ax-4 crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific studies and research activities involving contributions from 31 countries, including the United States, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and several European nations. According to Axiom Space, this marks the most research-intensive mission the company has launched to date aboard the ISS. The scientific focus spans human health, Earth observation, biology, materials science, and more. The mission is expected to showcase how space-based research can directly benefit life on Earth while building capabilities across emerging spacefaring nations. Through this initiative, India, Poland, and Hungary aim to strengthen their national space programs and foster international scientific collaboration.
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First Post
34 minutes ago
- First Post
What is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying to space? Aam ras, halwa and more
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla readies to pilot the Axiom-4 Mission on June 10, he will carry with him a range of Indian delicacies prepared by Isro that will remind him of home, like aam ras, moong halwa and more. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot will head to the International Space Station along with three others, marking the first Indian astronaut to return to space after 41 years read more Since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shubhanshu Shukla feel a little more at home. They say food can be a home away from home, and for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, a few Indian delicacies will be just that — his little piece of comfort as he prepares to head into space. As part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST, along with three other astronauts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Typically, the American space agency follows a standardised food menu for all its space missions, said DK Singh, director of Isro's Human Spaceflight Centre (Hsfc). But since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shukla feel a little more at home. Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, will spend 14 days in orbit, making history as the second Indian to travel to space since Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 flight. So what will be different this time? What is Shukla carrying to space? Here's a closer look. Indian space food for astronauts Ahead of his mission, Shukla will carry specially prepared Indian delicacies with him, a first for any Indian travelling to the ISS. His menu includes aam ras, moong dal halwa, gajar halwa and a selection of rice-based options. His sister, Suchi Shukla, a science teacher in Lucknow, told Hindustan Times that initially, Shukla wasn't allowed to carry Indian food on the flight as the cuisine is typically rich in spices, something space menus aren't used to. 'Since Indian food is high on spices, he wasn't getting the permission to carry them. But finally, they did allow a few varieties. He is a fitness-freak and highly into yoga, so I am sure he will balance it,' she said. Now that he has the go-ahead, Shukla is excited to share these flavours with his fellow astronauts, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For international missions, Nasa's Space Food Systems Laboratory produces freeze-dried food and packages commercially available beverage powders, cookies, candies, and other dried goods that the astronauts select for their menus. However, a taste of home for Indian astronauts was missing. But now, scientists from Isro and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Drdo) have developed space-friendly Indian food after years of research. Apart from Shukla's menu, the Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (Dfrl) has created ready-to-eat dishes like idli, upma, biryani, pulao, dal, vegetable curry, roti and halwa, all tailored for zero gravity. The meals are packed in special containers and will need to be rehydrated with water before consumption, Singh told The Print. Officials say the same menu will likely be part of the Gaganyaan crewed mission , India's first human spaceflight, expected to take off by 2027. Shukla will be on that mission too. 'We have developed a few options. Even if all of it isn't used for the Gaganyaan mission, it will come in handy for future human spaceflights,' Singh said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A few photographs, a swan soft toy Along with food and science experiments, Shukla is also carrying a few mementoes from home. While he isn't allowed to reveal exactly what personal items he's bringing, his sister feels her brother is 'carrying our photos'. She adds, 'He cannot disclose due to protocol. Once you take anything to space, it becomes a certified object that has travelled to space. So, he will bring those back and it will be memorabilia for us. We will only get to know what those things are once he's back.' Among the items confirmed is a small swan soft toy, which will act as the zero-gravity indicator for the Axiom-4 crew. Named 'Joy', the swan holds special meaning for all four astronauts, including Shukla. Floating alongside the Axiom 4 mission crew in the SpaceX Dragon capsule will be a small swan soft toy named 'Joy'. It is not only the zero gravity indicator but also 'In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning and purity,' he explained during a pre-flight virtual press conference. 'Swan is believed to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, representing purity, wisdom and grace.' 'Carrying this symbol reminds me of the delicate balance between knowledge and pressure, and it keeps me grounded in the values I hold dear. I feel inspired, fully prepared and confident as I embark on this journey,' Shukla added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shukla will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. X/@NASASpaceOps Prayers and excitement back home In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, the countdown to launch is filled with prayers, pride, and hope. The 39-year-old's family is watching closely, their hearts full as he prepares to make history. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government employee, said the entire family is backing him with confidence and positivity. 'The entire family is praying for him, and we are all very confident and positive. We are not scared now. We are happy that his name will go in history books,' he said. #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla says, "We are very proud of him, not just the family, but the whole country. The country's space mission is being sent after 40 years... It feels good that people are talking about my… — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025 His mother, Astha Shukla, told Hindustan Times, 'Woh khud bahut excited hai ki woh Bharat ke liye kuch naya karne jaa raha hai. Bas jaldi se mission khatam kar ke wapas aa jaaye.' (He is very excited as he is getting to do something new for India. Hope the mission ends successfully and he comes back soon.) Subhanshu Shukla's Home in Lucknow has become an inspirational spot for students, they are coming in numbers for selfies and wishes ♥️ Subhanshu is part of the 4 member team going to space in Axiom Mission 4, a collaboration b/w NASA & SpaceX. — Lucknow Development Index (@lucknow_updates) June 7, 2025 The astronaut is currently under quarantine before the mission. He joins the family for a video group call every day, along with his wife, Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, and five-year-old son, who are with him in Florida, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mission, operated by Texas-based Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and Nasa, will transport four astronauts, Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (US), Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week stay. With input from agencies
