Latest news with #AxiomSpace
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The Indian pilot set for a historic space journey on Axiom-4
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), set to take off from Nasa's Kennedy Space Center in Florida next week, will be piloted by an Indian as it soars towards the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian air force is among the four-member multi-country crew of Ax-4 that will be spending two weeks on the ISS. The flight, scheduled for 10 June at 08:22 EDT (12:22GMT; 17:52IST), has generated a huge interest in India as Group Captain Shukla will only be the second Indian ever to travel to space and the first to visit the ISS. The trip comes 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to fly to space aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984. He spent nearly eight days there. Ax-4 is led by former Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson - a space veteran who has been commander of ISS twice, spent hundreds of days in space and done 10 space walks. The team also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary - just like the Indian astronaut, they will also be taking their countries back to space after more than four decades. Experts say the pilot's role is key, as he would serve as second-in-command to the mission commander, assisting with spacecraft operations during launch, docking, undocking and return to Earth. The astronauts, who have been in quarantine since 25 May to prepare for the trip, addressed a press conference on Tuesday night where they showed-off Joy - a small, white toy swan they said would be "the fifth crew member" on Ax-4. "We are good for the launch, we have completed all the training and the team has bonded well," Commander Whitson said. Describing the past year as "nothing short of transformative" for him, Group Captain Shukla said he did not have words to describe his excitement. "It has been an amazing journey so far, but the best is yet to come," he said. "As I go into space, I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. "I request all Indians to pray for the success of our mission," he added. The 39-year-old was among four Indian air force officers shortlisted last year to travel on the country's first-ever human space flight, scheduled for 2027. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send three astronauts to an orbit of 400km and bring them back after three days. India has also announced ambitious plans to set up a space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. India's space agency Isro has been carrying out a number of tests to prepare for Gaganyaan. In December, it plans to send a female humanoid robot to space as part of the tests. So, officials say the weekend's mission comes as a "unique exciting opportunity" for Isro and has generated a lot of interest in India. The trip to ISS aboard Ax-4 - a commercial flight operated by Houston-based private company Axiom Space - is a collaborative effort between Nasa, Isro and European Space Agency (Esa). Sunday's flight will be launched using the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. Isro, which has paid 5bn rupees ($59m; £43m) to secure a seat for Group Captain Shukla and his training, says the experience he will gain during his trip to the ISS will help India immensely. "The benefit we will get from this mission is phenomenal in terms of the training, exposure to the facilities and the experience of jointly conducting experiments in space," Isro Chairman V Narayanan recently said. Sudeesh Balan, Isro project director, said Group Captain Shukla had been training since August last year. "He's undergone rigorous training, including physical and psychological assessments, to prepare for the journey." Born on 10 October 1985 in the northern city of Lucknow, Group Captain Shukla joined the Indian air force as a fighter pilot in 2006. According to Axiom Space, he has over 2,000 hours of flying experience and has flown MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars and Hawks. His sister Shuchi Mishra, however, told the BBC that his entry into the air force was "accidental". "When he was 17 and in high school, his friend got a form to apply to the National Defence Academy. But this friend was slightly overage so he was not qualified. Not wanting to waste the form, Shubhanshu filled it up," Ms Mishra said. "He was selected - and has never looked back." Ms Mishra says their family "is thrilled as one of ours has been chosen out of India's 1.4 billion people" for this mission. "We all feel so privileged and proud that he's a part of our family and that we've been a part of his journey." Her brother, she says, is undertaking this journey for his country - for the next generation. "He always tells people to dream big, to do something for the nation. We are hoping that his trip will inspire the next generation." Besides piloting the mission, the Indian astronaut will have a busy schedule during his time on ISS. Considering the huge interest in the flight, Isro has said they are organising events for him to interact with Indian students and answer their questions while floating in space. "We believe it will motivate our young minds to become passionate about space tech," Mr Balan said. But most of the time, the four-member crew will be conducting 60 scientific experiments, seven of which come from India. Former Nasa scientist Mila Mitra says Isro's experiments will help improve our understanding of space and its effects on biology and micro-gravity. One of the key experiments, she explains, will investigate the impact of spaceflight on six varieties of crop seeds. "This project aims to help understand how crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions. After the mission, seeds will be grown for multiple generations and plants showing preferred traits will be selected for genetic analyses." Another Isro experiment involves growing three strains of microalgae which could be used as food, fuel or even in life support systems and this will help identify the most suitable ones for growing in microgravity, she says. The Isro projects would also investigate how tardigrades - micro-animals on Earth that can survive extreme environments - would fare in space. "The project will examine the revival of dormant tardigrades, count the number of eggs laid and hatched during a mission, and compare space-flown versus ground control populations," Ms Mitra says. The other experiments aim to identify how muscle loss occurs in space and how it can be treated; and the physical and cognitive impact of using computer screens in microgravity. "The research will study how gaze fixation and rapid eye movements are affected by being in space, and how this may affect an astronaut's stress and wellbeing. The results could influence future spacecraft computer design and interaction," she says. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Even stars attainable, says Shubhanshu Shukla; Ax-4 liftoff now on June 10
BENGALURU: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India and three other members of Axiom-4 mission's multinational crew will launch for International Space Station on June 10 at 5.52pm IST, two days later than the originally planned June 8 lift-off. Axiom Space announced the revised schedule Tuesday, citing no reason for the delay. The mission, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, will launch from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex in Florida. Shukla addressed the world in a stirring final message, combining gratitude, science, and India's cultural pride. "Even stars are attainable," he said. "The last few months have been nothing short of extraordinary - of discovery and unshakable resolve. From diverse systems to advanced platforms, across continents and cultures. This training has been intense but deeply rewarding." Carrying not just scientific equipment but "the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts", Shukla will conduct seven experiments designed by Indian research institutions. These investigations, ranging from stem cell cultures to crop seed behaviour in microgravity, aim to boost India's presence in space-based science. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "These experiments will pave the way for India's progress in microgravity science," he said. "I am proud to be the bridge between Earth and orbit for this pioneering research." Commander Whitson praised her team's dedication, work ethic, and cultural richness. She introduced the crew's zero-gravity indicator - Joy, a swan representing "Wisdom in India", "Resilience in Poland," and "Grace in Hungary". To honour India's artistic spirit, Shukla will also carry artefacts crafted by students of National Institute of Design. "I will carry them with deep pride," he said. The mission will feature live interactions from orbit, including sessions with Indian VIPs, students, academia, and space industry leaders. Asked about a possible link-up with PM Modi, Shukla confirmed multiple planned outreach events. He also paid tribute to India's first astronaut Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma, calling him a mentor. "I am carrying something to honour him, but I cannot reveal it yet - I haven't told him, and I want that to be a surprise." Shukla's payload includes Indian delicacies like mango nectar, moong dal halwa, and carrot halwa.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Space-Based Research May Pave the Way for First Astronaut with Diabetes
ISS National Lab-sponsored study launching on Axiom Mission 4 to advance diabetes management in space KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An investigation launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) aims to advance diabetes management in microgravity and open access to space for more people. Researchers will demonstrate the accuracy of glucose monitoring and the viability of insulin on the ISS, with the long-term goal of supporting astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes on future space missions. The ISS National Lab-sponsored project, Suite Ride, is a partnership between Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings PLC, a healthcare services provider based in the United Arab Emirates. According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in nine adults worldwide—which amounts to nearly 590 million people—are living with diabetes. That number is expected to rise to more than 780 million people by 2045. "Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes historically have been disqualified from flying to low Earth orbit," said Alex Rubin, medical operations group lead at Axiom Space. "A main objective of the study is to demonstrate that a condition such as this can be accurately monitored and treated in microgravity, with the intent of eventually flying a crew member with the condition." The team is sending several commercially available glucose monitors to the ISS to ensure they maintain a comparable level of accuracy in microgravity. One of the monitors samples interstitial fluid (the fluid filling the spaces between cells in the body) to measure glucose levels. Microgravity causes shifts in body fluids that could affect the accuracy of these devices. "We intend to demonstrate that the monitors can be relied upon, or if there is a difference due to microgravity, that it is something we can calibrate to and resolve," Rubin said. The study will also look at whether microgravity affects the integrity of insulin. Previous research showed that insulin pens can accurately administer doses during spaceflight. For this project, several different types of insulin will be sent to the ISS, with some stored at ambient or room temperature and some in cold stowage. The team will test the samples after they return to determine if microgravity had any effect. Results from this investigation could make it possible to support people with diabetes on future space missions, expanding the pool of those eligible to serve as crew members. Findings could also lead to improvements in diabetes monitoring and care in remote areas on Earth. "If we demonstrate that we can share data between a subject's glucose monitor in orbit and a physician on the ground in near real time, that could be implemented in a telemedicine setting with a clinician serving remote or austere locations on Earth," Rubin said. "If it can work in space, it could work on an oil rig, for example." We have come a long way in monitoring and treating diabetes, Rubin said. "There was a time where there was the perception that people with the disease couldn't do certain things. Today, you can play in the NFL, you can race cars, you can do all sorts of things that may have been difficult before. It only makes sense that the next barrier we break is human spaceflight." Ax-4 is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. EDT, from Florida. For additional information on ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations launching on Ax-4, visit our launch page. Download a high-resolution image for this release: Axiom Mission 4 Crew About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page. Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill904-806-0035 PONeill@ International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS launch on Axiom Mission 4 rescheduled to 10 June
The Axiom Space Mission 4 to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been rescheduled for 10 June, an Axiom Space spokesperson said on Tuesday. The mission was originally scheduled for 29 May and was subsequently shifted to 8 June before the latest change. The new date was confirmed owing to operational adjustments and ongoing quarantine protocols. The Ax-4 crew is scheduled to remain aboard the ISS for two weeks. Where to watch Axiom Mission 4 live Axiom Space has announced that the mission will be broadcast live from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on 10 June at 8:22 a.m. EDT (3:45 p.m. IST). The launch is scheduled for 5:52 p.m. 'The #Ax4 crew is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on June 10 at 8:22 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at @NASAKennedy. Tune in for the launch broadcast starting at 6:15 a.m. EDT,' Axiom Space posted on X. The #Ax4 crew is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on June 10 at 8:22 AM EDT from Launch Complex 39A at @NASAKennedy. Tune in for the launch broadcast starting at 6:15 AM EDT. — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 3, 2025 Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla? Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut. He studied at City Montessori School before joining the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006. A milestone moment for Indian human spaceflight Group Captain Shukla is set to become the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station. He will serve as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4, also referred to as Ax-4. The mission marks India's return to human spaceflight after four decades, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic space journey aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shukla-piloted Axiom-4 launch to ISS now on June 10; Indian astronaut says ‘even stars are attainable, Jai Hind'
Indian astronaut-designate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla NEW DELHI: The launch of the Axiom mission, which will carry Indian astronaut-designate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station, has been postponed to June 10, it was announced on Tuesday. 'The Ax4 crew is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on June 10 at 8:22 AM EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASAKennedy,' Axiom Space posted on X. The mission, part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 programme, was originally slated for take-off on May 29 and then rescheduled for June 8, but operational adjustments and quarantine protocols have now led to the launch date being pushed to June 10. During a virtual press conference, Shukla said the Ax-4 crew will interact with school students, educators and members of the Indian space industry. 'For the people of India, this mission is a milestone and I request India to pray for its success. Even stars are attainable, Jai Hind,' he said, adding that he would be carrying Indian delicacies such as mango nectar, moong dal halwa and carrot halwa on the space flight. PM Narendra Modi is expected to interact with the Ax-4 crew during their 14-day stay at the ISS. 'We will have one with an Indian VVIP,' Shukla said to a question on interaction with the PM from space. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 180k traders trust IC Markets for CFD trading | Sign up today IC Markets Learn More Undo Shukla, who will serve as the mission's pilot, is set to make history as the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space—following Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 mission. The Ax-4 crew includes mission commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran Nasa astronaut, and specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Shukla will be the second Indian to travel to space four decades after Rakesh Sharma's iconic spaceflight onboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. On Tuesday, space minister Jitendra Singh announced that Group Capt Shukla will study physical, cognitive and physiological responses in space, as well as the impact of utilising continuous electronic displays in microgravity, an important issue for future long-duration space missions. Further, Shukla's research will focus on skeletal muscle dysfunction in space and the evaluation of therapeutic strategies to counter these effects. The minister shared that the astronaut-designate will also carry out experiments on the revival, survival, and reproduction of extremophiles such as Tardigrades. These micro-organisms, known for their resilience in extreme conditions, will help advance scientific understanding of the sustainability of life beyond Earth. Speaking on India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, Singh said its trial phases are currently under way, and the mission is scheduled for early 2027. Such ventures will be game-changers for India's space ecosystem, allowing the country to become truly Atmanirbhar in the domain. He highlighted that India's space economy is projected to grow five-fold from $8 billion to $44 billion in the near future.
