Countdown to glory: India's Shubhanshu Shukla to launch on space voyage today
Over a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced him as astronaut-designate for India's ambitious Gaganyaan Mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to script history as he prepares to launch on his much-awaited maiden mission to space on Wednesday.Shubhanshu Shukla a.k.a Shux will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on a 14-day science expedition aboard the Ax-4 mission with astronauts from the US, Poland and Hungary.advertisementThe mission is part of Axiom Space, a private aerospace company that plans to make space accessible and cheap and eventually build a private space station that would replace the ageing International Space Station.
Shukla, who will serve as mission pilot, will start himself into SpaceX's reliable Dragon spacecraft atop the Falcon-9 rocket for a lift-off scheduled later in the day at 5:30 pm IST.
Shubhanshu Shukla will be responsible for steering seven Indian science studies designed by academics and scientists from across the country. (Photo: Axiom Space)
LAUNCH TO DOCKINGThe mission, which has been marred by numerous delays, technical snags and weather parameters, is being led by veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, who has been on multiple missions to space. She will be responsible for the smooth operation of the flight, leading the scientific expedition and ensuring a smooth launch, docking and splashdown in July.advertisementFollowing the launch from the Kennedy Space Centre, the Dragon spacecraft will be delivered into space by Falcon-9. The vehicle will then travel in zero gravity for over 28 hours to rendezvous with the Space Station, align and eventually dock.The docking is scheduled for June 26 at 4:30 pm IST, if the launch is on time from Florida. BIG SCIENCE AHEADDuring his 14-day mission in zero gravity, Shukla will be responsible for steering seven Indian science studies designed by academics and scientists from across the country.India's participation in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is set to provide invaluable operational experience for the nation's ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and its long-term vision of a sustained presence in space, Tushar Phadnis, Group Head for Microgravity Platforms and Research at Isro told India Today Science during a media interaction.Among the seven experiments, seed studies will investigate how microgravity affects germination, with direct relevance for crew nutrition and the development of India-specific food systems for Gaganyaan.Other experiments will examine the survival mechanisms of tardigrades (water bears), muscle regeneration, and cognitive performance using electronic displays in space.These studies are critical for understanding the physiological and psychological challenges astronauts face during extended missions.advertisementShukla will also likely speak to PM Modi from space and with students from several Indian schools and colleges in two outreach events.Ahead of launch, Shukla said, "I want to say to the people of India, this mission is a milestone and I request India to pray for the success of the mission. Even stars are attainable."A test pilot, combat leader and now an astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, who is a serving Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, is all set for his most awaited and challenging sortie into space as India awaits lift-off.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
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