Latest news with #MissionAkashGanga
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Science
- Business Standard
Axiom-4 mission with Gaganyatri delayed to June 11, launch at 5:30 pm: Isro
The Axiom-4 mission for sending Indian Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla to International Space Station has been postponed to 11th June 2025 from 10th June 2025. The targeted time of launch is 5:30 pm IST on 11th June 2025," according to a post by Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on X Earlier, the launch of the Axiom Mission 4 was postponed to June 10th due to predicted inclement weather. The mission was originally scheduled for June 9th, but the delay was announced to allow for better weather conditions and to complete final processing of the spacecraft. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is scheduled to launch from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shukla, and mission specialists Tigor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland. Over their 14-day stay aboard the International Space Station, the Ax-4 crew is likely to engage in interactions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, students, and key figures from the space industry. India's return to space The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission -- also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga -- represents a significant chapter in India's space ambitions, with astronaut Shukla becoming the first Indian to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma's historic journey aboard a Soviet spacecraft in 1984. In preparation for the now-rescheduled launch, the Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams carried out a full-scale rehearsal on Sunday. Reflecting the mission's strategic value, the Indian government has earmarked ₹550 crore for its involvement in the Ax-4 programme, showcasing the importance of international partnerships in advancing space exploration. While on the International Space Station, Shukla will carry out experiments tailored to Indian research interests, especially in the areas of food and space nutrition. Jointly designed by Isro and the Department of Biotechnology, with Nasa's support, the experiments are aimed at developing sustainable life-support systems for long-duration missions. These include studies on sprouting fenugreek and green gram seeds in microgravity and examining their viability for multi-generational growth once back on Earth.
NDTV
a day ago
- Science
- NDTV
Lucknow To Low Earth Orbit: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Heads to Space Lab
India is all set to send its second astronaut into space, nearly four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made history in 1984. This time, the mission is not with Russia but in collaboration with the United States, under the Indo-US Axiom-4 mission, also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga. Space history in the making India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will walk in the footsteps of Astronaut Neil Armstrong, but Mr Shukla is not going to the moon. On his fortnight mission, Mr Shukla will travel to the orbiting International Space Laboratory. Astronaut Shukla says, "As I prepare to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts." Mr Shukla considers himself fortunate to have opportunity to fly all his life. With this, he wishes to inspire an entire generation, generate curiosity among kids and leave a lasting impact. Recalling his journey, Mr Shukla called it a "long" one and added, "I have been extremely fortunate and lucky to have the opportunities to fly all my life, which was a dream job for me, apply to the astronaut corps, and now, consequently, be here. Probably a week before we arrived at Axiom, I came to know that I would be going. It is my sincere endeavour through my mission to inspire an entire generation back home in the country. I want to use this opportunity to ignite curiosity among kids. Even if this story, my story, can change one life, it will be a huge success for me." Astronaut Shukla is "extremely excited" to fly to space. Charming it is since this historic second flight for an Indian astronaut will take place from the same haloed Launch Complex 39 A at the Kennedy Space Center from which Astronaut Neil Armstrong lifted off on the Apollo 11 mission on July 16, 1969, to make history by becoming the first human to step on the moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force (IAF), as the prime astronaut for this historic flight. He is currently in pre-launch quarantine, a standard protocol to ensure astronauts are medically fit and isolated from potential infections before lift-off. Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Mr Shukla is the youngest among the four astronaut designates trained under India's Gaganyaan program. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the IAF on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream. A decorated Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, he has logged approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. When NDTV asked Group Captain Shukla about his first sortie into space and if he was confident of pulling it off, and having a happy splashdown or happy landing, he replied in his calm style. "Yes, this is my first sortie to space, and over the past year, we have been training rigorously for this mission. I feel very confident, not just in my ability, but in the ability of this team sitting here to execute this mission successfully," he said. The Axiom-4 mission, operated by Houston-based Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, will carry a four-member international crew aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes Dr Peggy Whitson from the United States as mission commander, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Dr Whitson, a 64-year-old biochemist and former NASA astronaut, is the most experienced American astronaut with 675 days in space. Her extensive experience includes 10 spacewalks totalling over 60 hours, and she currently serves as Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. Her leadership is expected to provide invaluable mentorship to Mr Shukla during the mission. The backup astronaut for Mission Akash Ganga is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the oldest among the astronaut designates. Born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, Mr Nair is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was awarded the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned in 1998, he is a Category-A Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has commanded a premier Su-30 squadron and is an alumnus of the United States Staff College. Experts believe ISRO's decision to select the youngest astronaut as the prime candidate aligns with India's long-term vision for human spaceflight. With plans to send an Indian to the Moon by 2040, grooming younger astronauts ensures continuity and experience for future missions. Mission Akash Ganga was born out of the India-US joint statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States in June 2023. The agreement envisioned a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS, marking a new chapter in Indo-US space cooperation. During the mission, Mr Shukla-referred to by colleagues as "Shux" because of his call sign -will not only serve as the mission pilot but also conduct scientific research and technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS. ISRO has also indicated that he will participate in space outreach activities, helping to inspire the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. The mission is a significant leap for India's space ambitions. It demonstrates the country's readiness to participate in commercial and international spaceflight programs and lays the groundwork for more complex missions in the future, including lunar exploration. As Mr Shukla prepares for launch, he carries the hopes of a billion Indians eager to see their nation take its place among the world's leading spacefaring countries. With a seasoned commander like Dr Whitson by his side and a diverse international crew, Mission Akash Ganga promises to be a landmark in India's cosmic journey. "I have exceptional crewmates," says Mr Shukla, adding, "I will have these crew members for this one flight. But post this mission, these are going to be my friends for life. It has been an amazing journey. These are moments that tell you that you are getting to be a part of something much larger than yourself. I can only say how fortunate I am to be a part of this."
NDTV
2 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
"Operational Savvy, Wicked Smart": Axiom Space On Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
'Namaste. I am Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.' These were the proud words of the Indian Air Force officer as he introduced himself ahead of his historic journey into space. A combat pilot for 15 years, Mr Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. Also called Mission Akash Ganga, Ax-4 is a landmark private spaceflight by Axiom Space, launching on June 10 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After a 28-hour journey aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon C213, the mission will dock with the ISS on June 11 around 10 PM IST. 'From the Indian Space Research Organisation, AX4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla,' the Axiom Space introduction begins. The 39-year-old Group Captain, born in Lucknow was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2006. Over the years, he has clocked over 2,000 hours of flight time, testing and flying aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. Representing India, meet #Ax4 Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla. @isro — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 8, 2025 In 2020, Mr Shukla was selected as one of four astronauts for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight initiative. Four years later, his journey has taken an exciting new turn. 'The first Indian astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, travelled to space in 1984. I grew up reading about him in textbooks and listening to his stories from space,' Mr Shukla recalled. 'I was deeply, deeply impressed by him.' Though his current journey began with dreams of flying, the path to becoming an astronaut came later. 'I would say that I have been extremely fortunate and extremely lucky to have gotten the opportunities to first fly all my life which was a dream job for me and then have the opportunity to apply to astronaut's court and now consequently be here.' A week before he arrived at Axiom, Mr Shukla found out he was part of the mission. 'I was extremely excited to be here. I was very, very happy because this was a possibility for me to actually fly to space. You don't know how to respond to such things.' Led by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the Ax-4 mission is a global collaboration. Ms Whitson praised Mr Shukla, saying, 'For me, having him as my pilot in the Dragon capsule is great. He already has that operational savvy, you know, he's just wicked smart when it comes to spacecraft technologies.' Fellow crew members also praised Mr Shukla. Polish mission specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski said, 'He is very focused and he will basically go one, two, three, four in a record time. I don't even know how he gets there so fast.' Tibor Kapu of Hungary added, 'Shukla's wisdom, the knowledge that he possesses, he could be 130 years old.' For Shukla, training and bonding with his international crew has been rewarding. 'The team that I am flying with on this mission, it is fantastic. I do feel that, you know, I have exceptional crewmates. I will have these crew members for this one flight but post this mission. These are going to be my friends for life.' He added, 'These are moments that really tell you that you are getting to be a part of something that is much larger than yourself. I can only say how extremely fortunate I am to be a part of this.' Beyond the mission's technical goals, Mr Shukla aims to inspire a whole generation in India by igniting curiosity among children. He hopes that even if his story changes one life, it would be a great success. In a few days, when the Dragon capsule docks with the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla will become only the second Indian ever to travel to space and the first as part of an international commercial spaceflight. 'I am Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and I am the mission pilot for exit formation.'
NDTV
4 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
Space Legend Peggy Whitson To Mentor Shubhanshu Shukla On Space Station Mission
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Dr. Peggy Whitson will command the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, marking a milestone for US-India collaboration in space. The crew, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, will conduct research and outreach, advancing commercial spaceflight. New Delhi: In a landmark moment for international space collaboration, America's most experienced astronaut, Dr Peggy Annette Whitson, will command the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission - also sometimes referred to as Mission Akash Ganga to the International Space Station (ISS) - with India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the mission pilot. The mission, will mark a significant milestone for both the United States and India in the realm of human spaceflight. At 64, Dr Whitson brings unparalleled experience to the mission. A trained biochemist and a veteran of four spaceflights, she has spent a cumulative 675 days in space - more than any other American astronaut and more than any woman astronaut globally. Her career spans over 38 years with NASA and Axiom Space, where she currently serves as Director of Human Spaceflight. The Ax-4 mission, operated by Houston-based private space company Axiom Space under a commercial contract with NASA, will carry a diverse international crew aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Alongside Dr Whitson and Group Captain Shukla, the crew includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Dr Whitson says "AX-4 represents another important step forward in the evolution of commercial spaceflight and international collaboration in low-Earth orbit, each mission we fly builds on the last, expanding our capabilities and deepening our understanding of how we can sustainably live and work in space. I've been incredibly impressed by the dedication and the work ethic and the passion of this team. It's been a joy to train alongside them, and I'm looking forward to seeing them in microgravity." A Commander Like No Other Dr Whitson's credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. She was the first woman to command the ISS - twice - and the first woman to command a private space mission, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2). She also holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, having conducted 10 extravehicular activities (EVAs) totalling over 60 hours in open space. For comparison, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who has completed nine spacewalks totalling 62 hours, 6 minutes. Her leadership roles at NASA have been equally ground breaking. She served as the first non-military Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office, chaired the Astronaut Selection Board, and was the agency's first ISS Science Officer. Her scientific contributions span hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. Born and raised on a farm near Beaconsfield, Iowa, Dr Whitson was inspired to become an astronaut after watching the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Her journey from rural America to the edge of space is a testament to perseverance and passion. India's Gaganyatri In Safe Hands For Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer, flying under the command of Dr Whitson is both an honour and a strategic advantage. According to Axiom Space, "Shukla could not be in safer hands." His role as mission pilot places him at the heart of spacecraft operations, and he is expected to work closely with Dr Whitson during the mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that during the mission, the Gaganyatri - India's term for its astronauts - will conduct selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS. Additionally, Group Captain Shukla will engage in space outreach activities including speaking to a VIP from space, further strengthening India's growing presence in the global space community. A Truly International Crew The Ax-4 mission exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space. Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, a Polish national and European Space Agency astronaut, will serve as a mission specialist. His participation has been confirmed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland. Tibor Kapu from Hungary, also a mission specialist, rounds out the four-member crew. This diverse team will share the cramped quarters of the Crew Dragon capsule as they journey to the ISS, where they will live and work in microgravity for 14 days. Their mission will not only advance scientific knowledge but also demonstrate the viability of commercial spaceflight as a platform for international collaboration. The Future Of Commercial Spaceflight Axiom Space is at the forefront of the commercial spaceflight revolution. By partnering with NASA and leveraging SpaceX's launch capabilities, the company aims to build the world's first commercial space station. Missions like Ax-4 are critical stepping stones toward that vision. For Dr Whitson, who retired from NASA in 2018 but continues to fly as an astronaut with Axiom, the mission represents a new chapter in a storied career. Her leadership ensures that the crew - especially first-time flyers like Group Captain Shukla - will benefit from her deep well of experience. As the countdown to Ax-4 begins, the world watches with anticipation. The mission is not just a technical endeavour but a symbol of what humanity can achieve when nations and individuals come together in pursuit of knowledge and exploration. With Dr Peggy Whitson at the helm and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla representing India's aspirations in space, Ax-4 promises to be a mission for the history books.
