Shubhanshu Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force enters the ISS becoming the first Indian astronaut to have ever entered the ISS as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He also happens to be among the four astronauts selected to the ISRO project of Gaganyaan, which will not be happening before 2026 at least. The scientific experiments include international cooperation as the mission will cost India 500 crore. Shukla has trained at the astronaut centre of NASA, Johnson Space Center as well as the Russian Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, which indicates the growing Indian space diplomacy.
Context:
- The launch of Shubhanshu Shukla on ISS during Axiom Mission 4 becomes the moment of history, as it connects international cooperation and preconditions the realization of the Indian dream about human spaceflight Gaganyaan.
Key Points
- Mission name: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on SpaceX Dragon capsule, by Axiom Space.
- Mission pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India Air Force, mission pilot.
- Docking Time: 4:01 PM IST when ISS was passing the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Mission Objectives: Operation of scientific experiments (eight ISRO experiments) and supporting the operations of ISS.
- Crew Training: Dual training in NASA (USA) and Russia, to gain more experience in preparation of Gaganyaan.
- Delays: These were due to poor weather conditions, problems with Falcon 9 rockets and ISS preparations.
- Cost: ISRO spent rupees 500 crores to take part in the mission and gain experience.
- Backup Crew: A second Gaganyaan designate, Prasanth Nair was Shukla backup.
Conclusion
The successful trip of Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS does not only become his personal landmark but also marks the gradual rise of India when it comes to international space cooperation and opens the path towards the Gaganyaan mission. His success is the next step in space aspirations, technological capabilities and ambition to become a global powerhouse in human space flights, of India.
