Indian astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla enters quarantine ahead of Ax-4 launch for ISS trip
NEW DELHI: Indian astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members are headed into quarantine as launch preparations begin for the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4), which is scheduled to be launched on June 8 for the journey to the International Space Station.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Axiom-4 mission crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Center in the US.
The critical phase of quarantine ensures the four astronauts remain in optimal health, free from any infections that could jeopardise the mission.
Before heading into isolation, Axiom Space employees gathered to celebrate the crew's send-off, Shukla, who will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, was oozing with confidence.
While thanking Axiom-4 ground staff and technical team, astronaut-designate Shukla said, 'Thank you so much for your contribution, I may not know you personally but I understand that it is each one of you that have contributed to this mission being a success and am sure it will be a success.
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Quarantine protocols are a vital part of pre-launch preparations, minimising any health risks that could impact the mission. The crew will remain isolated until launch day, undergoing regular health checks and final training exercises.
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'The #Ax4 crew is on their way to quarantine. Before they go, Axiom Space employees came together to celebrate. Crew send-off is a tradition that pays tribute to the dedication and tireless efforts of staff prior to the crew embarking on their mission. From #TeamAxiom, Godspeed #Ax4!' Axiom Space said on X.
Group Capt Shukla will be accompanied by mission commander Peggy Whitson, former Nasa astronaut, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Once docked, the astronauts are scheduled to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprising science, outreach and commercial activities.
Isro has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian principal investigators from various national R&D labs or academic institutions for implementation on ISS by the Indian astronaut. These include studying 'water bears' — micro animals — to understand how living things adapt to microgravity. According to Isro, the experience will nurture a microgravity research ecosystem back home, leading to the induction of advanced experiments that make up India's space programme.
Experience from the ISS mission will give momentum to India's first human spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan' and also future manned missions to space.
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