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The Wire
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla-led Mission to International Space Station Pushed to June 10
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Science Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla-led Mission to International Space Station Pushed to June 10 The Wire Staff 17 minutes ago The postponement comes in light of "predicted inclement weather" during the SpaceX rocket and Dragon spacecraft transport and to complete final processing of the spacecraft ahead of launch, NASA stated. Axiom Mission 4 crew, from left to right, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Photo: PTI via X/@NASASpaceOps Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled to be launched on June 8 at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has now been postponed to June 10, The Hindu reported. The postponement was announced at a press conference held virtually from the Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4) crew's quarantine location in Florida, according to the report. Later, NASA released a statement saying, 'NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 8:22 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 10, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4.' 'This shift allows teams to account for predicted inclement weather during the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft transport in addition to completing final processing of the spacecraft ahead of launch,' it stated. The trip to ISS aboard AX-4 – a commercial flight operated by Houston-based private company Axiom Space – is a collaborative effort between NASA, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA). The crew, including Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shukla, with crew members European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, will lift off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Peggy Whitson, who is also the director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while Shukla will serve as pilot. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu will be the two mission specialists, according to NASA. The crew had entered quarantine last week. Group Captain Shukla is also one of the four astronaut-designates chosen for the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) Gaganyaan mission, India's maiden human spaceflight mission. He will be the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, as well as the first Indian in space after 40 years. ISRO, which has paid Rs 5 billion (USD 59 million; GBP 43 million) 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 Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Poisoned Air, Rashes, Diseases: Residents of a Bengal Village Next to Thermal Power Station Cry for Help Banu Mushtaq's Importance Goes Much Beyond the Booker 'Heart Lamp' Wins International Booker: Banu Mushtaq's First Reaction Trump's Drive for Ocean Bed Mining Threatens Law of the Sea The Politics of 'Heart Lamp' Is Profound, Urgent and Reflects the Lived Reality of Millions Banu Mushtaq's 'Heart Lamp' – Translated By Deepa Bhasthi – Is 2025 International Booker Prize Winner Harvard's Indian Students Are Trapped in Trump's Visa Crossfire Humour, Scepticism and the Realities of the Familial in Banu Mushtaq's 'Heart Lamp' 'We All Belong Here': Mumbai For Peace March Hopes to Reclaim Spaces and Resist Increasing Hatred View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Excited about impact of experiments part of the mission: Tibor Kapu
For months now, Tibor Kapu and India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla have trained side by side—navigating spacecraft systems, running emergency drills, enduring isolation simulations, and even learning to fly—preparing for a shared journey that will carry them far beyond Earth. When they launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, Kapu will represent Hungary on its historic first spaceflight. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Kapu reflects on how his research-driven mindset shapes his approach to space missions, the Hungarian experiments he's taking to orbit, and the technologies he believes will redefine our future in space. Excerpts: What are the most exciting scientific experiments/innovations you hope to contribute to during the mission? I'm particularly excited about the diversity and potential impact of the Hungarian scientific experiments. One highlight is studying how microgravity affects the human microbiome — understanding its effect on bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in the body could be vital for long-term spaceflight and even medicine on Earth. We're also testing a medical device: a novel, nanofibrous eye insert without any active pharmaceutical ingredients. Another project spins a water sphere to mimic planetary dynamics—an engaging way to teach physics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar We'll also be testing microfluidic drug chips and a Hungarian-developed personal dosimetry device for radiation monitoring. How has your engineering & research background influenced your approach to space missions? My background has greatly helped me in preparation. Analytical skills and problem-solving techniques I've developed over the years have been valuable while training for space exploration. Engineering principles guide my understanding of spacecraft systems and mission protocols, while my research experience helps me appreciate scientific objectives and experiments. This combination allows me to contribute effectively to mission execution, ensuring we maximise scientific return while maintaining safety and efficiency. Given your tech background, what future advancements do you believe will impact space exploration? I believe the future lies in space radiation protection, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. These are key to long-duration missions. New materials will improve spacecraft durability, while autonomy will allow deeper exploration with less human input. These technologies will also benefit life on Earth—enhancing medicine and sustainability. Satellite constellations and on-orbit data processing are also exciting; we're beginning to shift high-energy activities into orbit, easing Earth's burden. What does it feel like to be part of a private mission like Ax-4? It's incredibly special, especially to represent Hungary on its first mission to the ISS. Growing up, I was fascinated by space. This mission is a dream come true—not just for me, but for many aspiring scientists back home. It's a proud moment that showcases Hungary's contribution to international collaboration and will hopefully inspire future generations. With your experience in high-stakes environments, how do you prepare for the challenges of living and working in space? We've undergone comprehensive training across physical, technical, and psychological domains. This includes learning spacecraft systems, practising emergency procedures, and maintaining fitness. Psychological readiness is equally crucial—we focus on resilience and effective communication. In Hungary, we had an intense two-year selection and training process: survival training, aerobatics, hyperbaric chamber testing, and private pilot licensing. We studied rocket theory, space engineering, and space health, and underwent isolation training. In the US, this was expanded with demanding simulations—from donning pressurised suits to emergency drills inside full-scale ISS mockups. Every phase has prepared us for the rigours of spaceflight.
