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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is 42-year-old Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla taking a soft toy swan to space in the Axiom-4 mission?
As India eagerly anticipates its next giant leap into space, an unexpected and heartwarming companion is stealing the spotlight. Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , set to make history as the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984, won't be alone on his pioneering Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside him will be a silent, graceful passenger: a white plush swan named Joy. More than just a cuddly toy, Joy represents a cherished space tradition and holds a poignant symbolic value for India's groundbreaking journey. A Feathered Friend's Cosmic Debut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a designated astronaut under ISRO's ambitious Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and will serve as pilot for the private Axiom-4 mission. The launch, originally slated for May, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has been pushed to June 11, 2025 (5:30 PM IST) due to weather concerns. As the world watches, Joy the swan will play a crucial role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo — ISROSpaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) Upon entering Earth's orbit, Joy will begin to float freely inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft , signaling to Shukla and his international crew that they have officially entered the realm of zero gravity. This charming tradition dates back to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961, who carried a small doll to indicate weightlessness. Since then, a "Zero-G indicator" plushie has become a staple of SpaceX missions, with astronauts selecting companions ranging from "Buzz Lightyear" to various Earth-themed characters. Why a Swan? A Symbol of Unity, Grace, and Indian Heritage The choice of a swan as the Axiom-4 mission's Zero-G toy was a collective decision by all four international astronauts – from India, Hungary, Poland, and the USA. However, for Group Captain Shukla and India, the swan resonates with a deeper cultural significance. In Indian tradition, the swan is the revered vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, embodying purity, knowledge, and artistic grace. Beyond its cultural ties, the swan universally symbolizes resilience and purity. You Might Also Like: Bad weather pushes astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 launch date by a day, lift-off now set for June 11 Group Captain Shukla articulated his personal connection, explaining that bringing Joy into space will help him "stay grounded in Indian values" as they venture into the cosmos. For the IAF officer, Joy will represent "unity, tradition, and hope across cultures and continents" as it drifts weightlessly in the vast expanse of space. — Axiom_Space (@Axiom_Space) Mission Axiom-4: Pushing India's Space Odyssey The Axiom-4 mission marks the fourth private astronaut expedition to the ISS, spearheaded by Axiom Space commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The international crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Group Captain Shukla's role as pilot underscores the high responsibility and precision required for this historic flight aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Indian Air Force has extended heartfelt wishes to Group Captain Shukla and the crew, emphasizing that this mission will "add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey. Touch the sky with glory!" This mission is a significant stride for India as it prepares for its own ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The Department of Space has invested approximately Rs 413 crore in this mission, making Shukla the first Indian to reach the ISS. — IAF_MCC (@IAF_MCC) Weather Holds, Technical Hurdles Cleared Beyond weather, SpaceX also tackled pre-launch technical challenges. William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX's VP of Build and Flight Reliability, confirmed a liquid oxygen leak on the Falcon 9 booster, now mitigated with an installed purge system. A thrust vector control system issue was also resolved. A recent "dry dress rehearsal" for the full launch simulation proceeded smoothly, building confidence for the new launch window. You Might Also Like: ISRO's Gaganyatri to carry out microgravity research experiments during upcoming Axiom-4 mission Adding to the mission's significance, this flight marks the inaugural journey for an updated version of the Dragon spacecraft. Gerstenmaier highlighted improvements in food processing, propulsion, and crew stair security, stating, "This isn't just the same old Dragon." The Falcon 9 booster itself is on its second flight, contributing to SpaceX's busy year, which has already seen three Dragon missions in just 38 days.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission's astronaut-designate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mantra is ‘to dream big'
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot chosen for Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission next month, is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. The 39-year-old astronaut-designate will pilot India's first human spaceflight in 41 years since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh announced this recently. Group Captain Shukla is currently training in Houston, US and cannot speak to the media, as per protocol. However, his sister, science teacher Suchi Shukla tells us, 'He is super-excited about it. We're a little scared, but we are very happy and proud of him. I am getting goosebumps and shivers as we speak as it will be a moment of pride for all of us as 'humre India se koi jaa raha hai' and the world is talking about is a very big achievement.' Suchi quotes him, 'His favourite line these days is to 'dream big'. He says: 'If you dream big then kahin na kahin to approach karke pahuchogey. And, once you reach that point and people will start recognising you, loving you and giving their best wishes – everything gets aligned. It all starts with dreaming big.' Who knew a boy from Lucknow will make it and he did.' He was shortlisted under ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and is among the top contenders for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first indigenous crewed orbital flight. Minister Narendra Modi confirmed Group Captain Shukla's participation in ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram last February. 'The mission was announced in 2018; it was my desire to explore more in life that made me apply. Around 70 pilots had applied and the selection took almost a year,' Group Captain Shukla said in an earlier interview. Suchi shares, 'Becoming a pilot was not on his mind, but the Kargil War of 1999 made an impact on him.' After graduating City Montessori School, Aliganj, Lucknow in 2001, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the IAF in 2006. 'His friend got an NDA form but decided not to go; so he [Shubhanshu] randomly filled the form. After clearing the exam, he took permission and went for it,' Suchi explains. Group Captain Shukla shares a five-year-old son with his wife, dentist Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, whom he married in 2009. His family lives in the Triveni Nagar locality in Lucknow and his father Shambhu Dayal Shukla has retired from Secretariate while his mother Asha Shukla is a housewife. Shubhanshu was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006. A highly experienced combat leader and test pilot, Shukla has logged over 2,000 flight hours on a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.
