Latest news with #Ax-4
Time of India
an hour ago
- Science
- Time of India
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? IAF pilot set to make history as India's first astronaut on the ISS
Group Captain is all set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). A decorated test pilot from the Indian Air Force and one of ISRO's four astronauts selected for India's , Shukla will serve as the pilot on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This milestone mission marks India's return to human spaceflight after more than four decades and underscores its growing presence in international space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla's early life and education Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla completed his schooling at City Montessori School, Lucknow. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he was determined to serve the nation and cleared the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2005. Later, during his astronaut training, he pursued a Master of Technology degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, showcasing his strong academic foundation in both military and scientific disciplines. Indian Air Force career Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006 as a Flying Officer in the fighter stream. Over the years, he has become a highly experienced and respected test pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying time across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier 228, and An-32. As a combat leader and experimental test pilot, Shukla's expertise in aviation made him an ideal candidate for India's emerging human spaceflight program. Shubhanshu Shukla's selection and training for the Axiom Mission 4 In 2019, Shukla was shortlisted by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) for ISRO's first astronaut training group. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After rigorous evaluation, he was selected among the final four astronauts. In 2020, he traveled to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia for basic spaceflight training, which he completed in 2021. He then returned to India for further mission-specific preparation at ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore. His selection was officially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2024, during a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Axiom Mission 4 Group Captain Shukla will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), an international collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and ISRO. Axiom Mission 4 is a planned private spaceflight to the International Space Station operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. The flight is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center no earlier than June 9, 2025, at 12:46 UTC, and will last about two to three weeks. The crew includes commander Peggy Whitson (USA), mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Fellow vyomanaut Prasanth Nair is designated as the backup astronaut. Shukla's participation marks a historic first for India at the ISS and is a crucial step toward the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. What are the experiments he will do at the ISS? The Ax-4 mission will conduct around 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, with seven selected by ISRO from Indian researchers. These include studies on: Growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria Muscle regeneration in microgravity Sprouting of green gram (moong) and fenugreek — aimed at future Indian space food systems Resilience of tardigrades (microscopic life forms) Seed germination in space Human-computer interaction in microgravity environments These experiments reflect India's growing interest in space biosciences and long-duration human spaceflight research. Personal life of Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla is married to Dr. Kamna, a dentist, and the couple has a four-year-old son. He comes from a humble family background — his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, is a retired government officer, and his mother, Asha Shukla, is a homemaker. He is the youngest of three siblings. In his free time, Shukla enjoys physical exercise, reading science and space literature. As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the historic Axiom Mission 4, he not only carries the aspirations of a nation but also represents a new era in India's space journey. From the skies as a fighter pilot to the vast expanse of space, his remarkable journey reflects the power of dedication, discipline, and scientific ambition. With his mission to the ISS, Shukla is set to inspire a new generation of Indians to dream beyond the boundaries of Earth and aim for the stars.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
CERN to space, I've always chased big questions: Sławosz Uznański
From being a particle physicist with a deep-rooted career at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) to preparing for a journey to the International Space Station (ISS), Polish engineer and ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski embodies the fusion of science and exploration. Now set to fly on the Axiom-4 mission , he brings experience from CERN to the challenges of human spaceflight. As Poland's first representative on the ISS, much like India's Shubhanshu Shukla, his mission is not just scientific—it's symbolic. In an exclusive interview to TOI, he reflects on the intersections between particle physics and space exploration , the demands of astronaut training, and more. Excerpts: How do you see particle physics and space exploration intersecting in the future? With my experience at CERN, I've witnessed how particle physics can drive space exploration. Both fields address profound questions: what is the universe made of, how did it begin, and what is its fate? A key example is CERN's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the ISS, a major experiment probing cosmic origins. Technologies developed for particle accelerators—especially in radiation physics—are critical for astronaut safety on long-duration missions. Materials tested under extreme conditions at CERN are improving spacecraft durability, while autonomous systems developed for complex experiments are revolutionising remote mission operations. These advances also benefit Earth—enhancing medical treatments and sustainable technology. It's a thrilling time as innovation flows between science and space. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo What excites you most about being in ESA's astronaut reserve & how has it prepared you? The most exciting part is being at the cutting edge of space science, collaborating with brilliant minds across Europe. My engineering background, combined with training from ESA and scientific work at CERN, has prepared me well for the Ax-4 mission. Every element—from research to operations—has equipped me for human spaceflight. It's a privilege to contribute to such a mission and help shape the future of exploration. How do you transition from remote Earth expeditions to challenges in space? Outdoor exploration has taught me resilience, adaptability, and preparation—skills vital for spaceflight. Whether mountaineering or conducting zero-gravity experiments, it's about staying focused and solution-driven. The endurance built on Earth helps me embrace the demands of space. The drive behind my scientific and exploratory pursuits is the same: a passion for the unknown. I've always chased the big questions. What moment inspired your path toward the ISS? One pivotal moment was working at CERN on the LHC's powering systems, and later, as an Engineer in Charge. Operating the world's most complex scientific machine for a global community of researchers was profoundly motivating. Moving into space research and ISS collaboration felt like a natural next step. The Ax-4 mission is a continuation of that journey—using science to unlock universal mysteries and contribute to something larger than myself. How will your Ax-4 mission impact Poland's role in space research? Poland is steadily gaining momentum in space research, and the Ax-4 mission is a milestone. It showcases our scientific potential and inspires investment in STEM. By conducting space-based studies, we highlight Poland's contributions to international exploration. This mission isn't just about science—it's about inspiring future generations and positioning Poland as a serious space player. I'm proud to represent my country in its first mission to the ISS.
Hans India
a day ago
- Science
- Hans India
Indian astronaut to conduct key food, nutrition experiments in space
New Delhi: Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Saturday. The experiments — developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA — aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Dr Singh said the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae — a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialised kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology.'Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen — making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems,' said Dr Singh. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria — specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus —under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space 'superfood' due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. 'These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats,' the minister said. Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
The AXIOM-4 mission: India's return to human spaceflight
The $64 million Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Mission – a collaboration involving Axiom Space, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and European Space Agency (ESA) – is scheduled to be launched on June 8, 2025, at 6.41 pm (IST) from the Launch Complex 39A of Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which will proceed to the International Space Station (ISS), and dock with it. On docking, the commander of this commercial mission, Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space; ISRO astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is the mission pilot, and two mission specialists, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, will enter the ISS for a 14-day stay, conducting experiments and scientific studies. The experiments aim to advance our understanding of microgravity and its effects on various biological processes. The Ax-4 Mission will be led by private company Axiom Space to highlight the growing scope of commercial entities in space exploration. The four mission astronauts will conduct about 60 scientific studies and activities, representing 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. The mission is set to break records for the most extensive research and science-related activities conducted on a space mission aboard the ISS, underscoring the mission's global significance and collaborative nature to advance microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Project mandate The research will investigate how microgravity affects human physiology, including bone and muscle loss, as well as its impact on the human immune system apart from effects of space travel on the human immune system. Additionally, experiments will explore the potential for crop growth in space and the remarkable resilience of tardigrades in extreme environments. These studies are part of the 12 Indian experiments focused on space agriculture, microbial adaptation, and human interaction with technology in space, to be conducted by Gp Capt Shukla. The mission will also study Tardigrades, also known as 'water bears', a phylum of eight-legged segmented micro-animals, discovered by German zoologist Johann August Ephraim Goeze in 1773, who called them 'Kleiner Wasserbär' or 'little water bear'. Harmless to humans, tardigrades are known for their ability to survive in extreme conditions, and earlier studies have suggested they may provide useful insights for improving human stress and radiation tolerance. The studies are expected to enhance global knowledge in human research, earth observation, biological, and material sciences, while demonstrating the space research capabilities of the crew's home nations. On completion of their 14-day mission, the Ax-4 Mission will return to Earth's atmosphere in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after detaching from the ISS. After safe descent through the Earth's dense atmosphere using heat shields, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will deploy its parachutes to reduce its descent velocity and splash down in the ocean before recovery teams retrieve the crew and the spacecraft. Mission significance; NASA's role The significance of the Ax-4 Mission to the ISS is it offers convergence of science, technology, and human innovation that enables research that is not possible on Earth. For more than 24 years, NASA has supported a continuous human presence aboard the ISS orbiting laboratory, through which astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time. The space station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA's goal is to achieve a strong economy in low Earth orbit where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA's commercial strategy for low Earth orbit will provide the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions. The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom-1 Mission, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The Axiom-2 Mission to the ISS, which was also commanded by Peggy Whitson, was launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom-3 Mission, was launched in January 2024, and the crew spent 18 days in the ISS after docking with it. How India stands to gain Gp Capt Shukla's inclusion on the Ax-4 Mission marks the return of India's first astronaut to space after Sqdr Ldr Rakesh Sharma's participation in the Soviet InterKosmos mission aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984. Currently, from the Indian standpoint, the Ax-4 Mission is being viewed as a 'precursor' to the country's own Gaganyaan-1 mission scheduled to take off in 2027. The mission will involve ISRO's heavy-lift launcher – Human-rated LVM3, or HLVM3 – launching the orbital module carrying three Indian astronauts to an intended Low Earth Orbit of 400 km for three days, before returning to Earth by splashing down in the ocean and being retrieved by the Indian Navy or the Coast Guard ships. Besides Gp Capt Shukla, three others – Gp Capt Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Gp Capt Ajit Krishnan and Gp Capt Angad Prathap – are selected for Gaganyaan manned space mission. According to ISRO, the Gaganyaan mission is being accomplished through an optimal strategy by considering in-house expertise, experience of Indian industry, intellectual capabilities of Indian academia and research institutions along with cutting-edge technologies available with international agencies. The prerequisites for Gaganyaan mission include development of many critical technologies including human rated launch vehicle for carrying crew safely to space, life support system to provide an Earth-like environment to the crew in space, crew emergency escape provision and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery and rehabilitation of crew. Now, various unmanned precursor missions are planned for demonstrating the technology preparedness levels before carrying out the actual Human Space Flight mission. These demonstrator missions include Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights. Safety and reliability of all systems will be proven in unmanned missions preceding manned missions. However, the Ax-4 Mission that will lift-off on June 8 evening will offer India a pre-Gaganyaan manned mission chance for actual participation in a human space mission due to the presence of Group Captain Shukla. Incidentally, two of ISRO's earlier missions – Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) – add immense value in terms of data for the Gaganyaan mission. POEM-4, in January this year, marked a first for ISRO with seeds of the popular 'alasande kalu' (or cowpea) sprouting in microgravity conditions in space in just four days on board the POEM-4 platform. SpaDeX is providing valuable data about docking and undocking in space – an exercise that will sharpen skills and knowledge about this very exercise, which Gp Capt Shukla will engage in while docking the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft with the ISS during the Ax-4 Mission. In many ways, ISRO, through Gp Capt Shukla's involvement in the mission, is set to gain technical knowhow for India's 2027-scheduled Gaganyaan manned space mission, and future manned space missions, too.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to serve as Mission Pilot on Axiom-4 mission: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Minister for Department of Space, Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India's astronauts, will conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said. The experiments--developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA--aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Union Minister Singh detailed that the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae--a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialized kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology. 'Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen--making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems,' said the Minister. Some species can grow in as little as 26 hours, and when cultivated in photobioreactors, they produce more biomass per unit volume than traditional crops--crucial for space missions with tight space and resource constraints. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria--specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus--under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space 'superfood' due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. 'These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats,' Singh emphasized. Jitendra Singh noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as Mission Pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut); Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland/ESA); and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary/ESA). Captain Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS. To drive future innovation, an ISRO-DBT Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted to accelerate collaborations in Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing. Institutions including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, are currently exploring new experiment opportunities. 'The JWG recently discussed a joint 'Announcement of Opportunity' in Space Biotech, highlighting challenges and pathways for in-space manufacturing, bio-regenerative systems, and extra-terrestrial biomanufacturing for long-term missions,' said Jitendra Singh. With these initiatives, India is not just reaching space--but shaping how humans will live, eat, and survive in it. The success of these experiments has the potential to revolutionize human nutrition in space and enable bio-recycling systems for closed habitats. Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that this mission underscores India's growing influence in the global space sector and its transition from launch services to space exploration, sustainability, and science leadership. (ANI)
