Latest news with #AxiomMission-4
India Today
5 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Space Station readies to welcome Indian astronaut coming with Ax-4 crew
As Axiom Space prepares to launch Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on his historic voyage to space with the Ax-4 crew, the International Space Station is gearing up for their arrival. The Ax-4 mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Centre aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft piloted by Shukla on June 8, 2025 to the flying laboratory. Ahead of the arrival, the Expedition 73 astronauts, currently aboard the ISS, are preparing for the Ax-4 quartet's arrival. Astronaut Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers conducted a review of procedures they will use from inside the space station when the Ax-4 crew aboard the Dragon approaches the space station to begin a two-week space research mission. Shubhanshu Shukla will launch with the Ax-4 mission to space. (Photo: Axiom Space) Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) is preparing for its launch to the orbital outpost this month carrying experienced astronaut Peggy Whitson as commander and three first-time space flyers including Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India and Mission Specialists Sawosz Uzananski-Wisniewksi from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The four astronauts will spend 14 days in orbit performing 60 experiments, including seven dedicated experiments from India, to be conducted by Shubhanshu Shukla. These experiments aim to enhance India's understanding of life in microgravity as it prepares to launch astronauts independently with the Gaganyaan Mission. All four astronauts are currently in a protocol quarantine, designed to ensure that astronauts remain in peak health and are free from infections that could jeopardise the mission. The closed environment of the ISS makes any illness a serious risk—not just to the crew launching, but also to those already aboard the station. The quarantine period typically lasts about 14 days prior to launch. During this time, astronauts and a small support team are isolated in a controlled facility, often located near the launch site.
India Today
28-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
No! Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is not in Covid-19 quarantine
Social media has been abuzz with rumours that Indian astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla is in Covid-19 quarantine ever since the update from Axiom Space came tyhat Ax-4 crew has entered into a claims are Shukla, along with his three international crewmates, entered a standard pre-launch quarantine ahead of the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) — a routine protocol for all astronauts, not a response to first day of quarantine is complete! The #Ax4 team has landed in Florida. They are now entering a two-week quarantine phase to stay healthy as they gear up for their launch to the @Space_Station. Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) May 25, 2025advertisementWHAT IS THE AX-4 QUARANTINE? The Ax-4 quarantine is a critical safety measure, not related to any specific illness like protocol, known as 'health stabilization,' is designed to ensure that astronauts are in peak health and free from infectious diseases that could jeopardize the mission or endanger the ISS ISS is a closed environment with limited medical resources, so even a minor infection could have serious consequences for both the new arrivals and those already DOES THE QUARANTINE WORK?The quarantine typically lasts about 14 days before and a small support team are isolated in a controlled facility near the launch site, with strict measures to minimise exposure to include enhanced hygiene, daily health checks, and limited contact with outsiders. Final mission briefings and training exercises are conducted in any crew member develops symptoms, they are further isolated and monitored to protect the process ensures that astronauts do not carry colds, flu, or other contagious diseases into space, where the immune system can be weakened and infections can spread rapidly. The ISS is a closed environment with limited medical resources. (Photo: Axiom Space) The Ax-4 crew, including Shukla, will remain in quarantine until their scheduled launch on June 8, is a long-standing standard operating procedure (SOP) for all human spaceflight missions. It protects the health of the astronauts, safeguards the ISS's sensitive experiments and equipment, and ensures the scientific integrity of the Ax-4, this is especially crucial as the crew will spend up to 14 days conducting complex experiments and outreach activities in Watch
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
India's Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Final Isolation Phase Before Space Station Mission
New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has entered a pre-launch quarantine alongside his three international crewmates, in preparation for the upcoming Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is scheduled for launch on June 8 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Mr Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, taking on the role of pilot. He will fly alongside Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight, who will command the mission. The crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, an ESA project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both in their debut spaceflights. Axiom Space employees gathered for a ceremonial send-off before the crew began their quarantine. At the event, Mr Shukla said, "I am sure this mission will be a success." 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… — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) May 25, 2025 Why Astronauts Need To Be In Quarantine Pre-launch quarantine is a critical protocol designed to ensure astronauts are in optimal health and free from infections to avoid jeopardising the mission. The confined environment of the ISS means that any illness can pose a serious risk, not only to the incoming crew but also to those already aboard the station. In microgravity, astronauts' immune systems can be weakened, making them more susceptible to infections. What Happens During Astronaut Quarantine? The quarantine period typically lasts about 14 days prior to launch. During this time, astronauts and a small support team are isolated in a controlled facility near the launch site. Protocols include strict isolation from the general public, improved hygiene measures, daily health monitoring, and limited physical contact. Final mission briefings and training exercises are conducted in isolation to minimise exposure to pathogens. If any crew member develops symptoms, they are further isolated and closely monitored to prevent any risk to the mission. Schedule Aboard ISS Once aboard the space station, the Ax-4 crew will spend 14 days conducting microgravity experiments, technology demonstrations, and public outreach initiatives. To prepare for Ax-4, the astronauts trained rigorously at top-tier facilities including NASA's Johnson Space Center, the European Space Agency's Astronaut Center in Germany, and various SpaceX locations. Their preparation covered everything from technical systems and mission simulations to emergency procedures. This mission is significant not just for India but also for Poland and Hungary. For India, it is the first human space presence since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Why Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has been put into quarantine
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has officially entered quarantine along with his three crewmates in preparation for the highly anticipated Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is scheduled for launch on June 8, 2025 from the Kennedy Space Centre aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This critical phase marks a major milestone for both India's space ambitions and the global commercial spaceflight sector. Before heading into isolation, the Axiom Space employees gathered to celebrate the crew's send-off, a cherished tradition that honours the dedication and tireless efforts of both the astronauts and the entire team supporting the mission. 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 Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) May 25, 2025 WHY QUARANTINE IS ESSENTIAL Quarantine is a vital pre-launch protocol designed to ensure that astronauts remain in peak health and are free from infections that could jeopardise the mission. The closed environment of the ISS makes any illness a serious risk—not just to the crew launching, but also to those already aboard the station. Even minor infections can spread rapidly in microgravity, where astronauts' immune systems are often weakened, potentially threatening mission objectives and safety. WHAT HAPPENS DURING ASTRONAUT QURANTINE? The quarantine period typically lasts about 14 days prior to launch. During this time, astronauts and a small support team are isolated in a controlled facility, often located near the launch site. The protocols include: Strict isolation from the general public to minimize exposure to pathogens Enhanced hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing and room ventilation Daily health monitoring and regular medical checks to detect any symptoms early Limited physical contact, with support staff also following strict precautions Final mission briefings and training exercises conducted in isolation If any crew member develops symptoms, they are further isolated and closely monitored to prevent any risk to the mission. Shukla's participation as pilot on Ax-4, alongside an international crew, represents the first time an Indian astronaut will visit the ISS. The experience and knowledge gained are expected to directly benefit India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, laying the groundwork for future indigenous missions.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
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. ' 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How to seamlessly scale and efficiently manage network traffic - Google Cloud: Future of Infrastructure CIO | Google Cloud, AMD Undo '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.
