Air Force chief speaks to Gp. Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla ahead of space launch
In a momentous event for India's space ambitions, the Chief of the Air Staff, along with all Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has extended heartfelt best wishes to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he prepares for his journey to space aboard the Axiom-4 mission.The IAF conveyed its support and pride in an official post on X, highlighting the significance of this mission for the nation.advertisement'As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey,' the post read.As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new pic.twitter.com/t91lFn6gz5— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 10, 2025
Group Captain Shukla's participation in the Axiom-4 mission marks a landmark achievement, not only for the Indian Air Force but for the country's broader aspirations in space exploration.advertisementHis journey shows the increasing collaboration between military and civilian space sectors, reflecting India's growing footprint on the global stage of astronautics.The Axiom-4 mission, scheduled for launch tomorrow, will see a diverse crew traveling to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will conduct scientific experiments and contribute to international research efforts.For India, this mission is symbolic of its rising capabilities and ambitions in space, aligning with the nation's goals to expand its presence beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla with the Ax-4 crew. (Photo: Axiom Space)
The support from the IAF leadership and personnel highlights the unity and enthusiasm within India's defense community for space endeavours.It is worth mentioning that while Isro has selected the astronauts from the Indian Air Force for the Gaganyaan Mission, it is working with the Navy to develop procedures to recover them from the sea post splashdown.As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for this historic voyage, the nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to witness the next chapter in the Indian Space Odyssey.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
16 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
When will Axion-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla lift off? Launch time, crew and other details
SpaceX postponed the Axiom-4 mission due to a liquid oxygen leak, delaying the launch of Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla and crew to the International Space Station. The mission, featuring astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the US, awaits a new launch date.
India.com
19 minutes ago
- India.com
Shubhanshu Shuklas Space Quest Stalled: How Falcon 9 Leak Halted Axiom-4 Again? Know Here
The launch of the Axiom-4 mission to take Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) was halted after a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak was detected in SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, the second such delay in two days. SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that a new launch date will be announced after repairs and after completion of the validation tests. Postponement of Axiom 04 mission slated for launch on 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS. As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch… — ISRO (@isro) June 11, 2025 Technical Snag Halts Launch SpaceX stated on X that extra time is necessary to correct a LOx leak discovered on post-static fire booster inspections. "Standing down from tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak," the company said, noting that a new launch date will be based on repair progress and availability of the launch range. ISRO gave additional information, stating that the leak was detected in the propulsion bay during a seven-second hot test on the launch pad. "It has been decided to fix the leak and perform necessary validation tests prior to clearing for launch," ISRO tweeted on X. The move came after consultations among ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX experts. Second Postponement In Days The Axiom-4 mission, which was initially planned for June 10, 2025, was initially postponed to June 11 at 5:30 PM IST due to inclement weather, as notified by ISRO on Monday. The new technical snag has again postponed the mission, which will take Shukla, India's first "Gaganyatri" under the Gaganyaan program, to the ISS for a 14-day scientific mission. Mission Significance Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force Group Captain and test pilot, was chosen for the Axiom-4 mission, a three-way collaboration between ISRO, Axiom Space, and NASA. The mission will consist of experiments in microgravity, outreach, and technology demonstrations, a new milestone for India's human spaceflight program. Shukla's journey was expected to motivate millions, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising its importance to India's space program. Next Steps SpaceX and ISRO are attempting to fix the LOx leak, with testing validation necessary before a new launch can be dated. The postponement has led to debate on X, with users disappointed but understanding the priority on safety. ISRO highlighted that tough checks guarantee astronaut safety, explaining, "The mission will proceed only after all systems are fully validated." More information on the launch timeline should soon be available as teams work to resolve the technical problem and watch for weather at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.
New Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Delhi native Changez Khan launches Europe-backed ‘phygital' studio in Kochi
KOCHI: After working with global giants Marvel and its parent firm Walt Disney Company as well as collaborating with cinema and comic museums in Italy's Milan, Delhi native Changez Khan is bringing the future to a quiet corner of Kerala. Khan's venture, Dynimated, a Europe-registered creative tech brand, has launched its first-of-its-kind 'phygital' studio blending physical and digital experiences in Alangad on the outskirts of Kochi. The facility has been developed under the European parent company ASA Ltd, with its Asia operations managed by KXAN Technologies Pvt Ltd. 'I was looking for a place where ideas could breathe,' said Changez, who is in his late 30s. 'This calm, natural setting allows creativity to flow without distractions. Plus, Kochi's connectivity helps bring in collaborators, professionals and audiences,' he said. Taking to social media, Industries Minister P Rajeeve said the entry of Dynimated shows how Kerala is becoming a key destination for global companies. 'The fact that world class companies like Dynimated, which has even provided technical services for Jackie Chan films, are choosing Kerala to establish their innovation hubs is a matter of great pride. This is yet another clear sign that the new age industries of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are reaching even the rural corners of our state, and that we are on the right path,' Rajeeve posted. At the DYND Innovention Hub, visitors can travel back in time to ancient Indian and Egyptian civilizations, interact with simulated alien life, watch the cosmos unfold in motion, or play immersive games. The core technologies holography, AR, visual communication have been developed in collaboration with experts from Russia, Europe and China.
