Indian Astronauts Complete Initial Training for Axiom-4 Mission to the ISS
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced that two Indian astronauts selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the initial phase of their training. Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been chosen as the primary astronaut, with Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his alternate. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.
What is the Axiom-4 Mission?
Overview
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the ISS, operated by U.S.-based Axiom Space, a space infrastructure development company. The mission will utilize the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, a reusable vehicle designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Ax-4 is the fourth collaborative mission with NASA, following Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3.
Mission Objectives
- Commercial Space Initiatives: Ax-4 is focused on enabling commercial activities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), including space tourism. It aims to showcase the feasibility of commercial space stations for business and research.
- International Collaboration: Featuring a multinational crew, the mission emphasizes global cooperation in space exploration and seeks to strengthen partnerships between nations while advancing space science.
- Research and Development: Ax-4 will support various scientific experiments and technological advancements in microgravity. Research areas include materials science, biology, and Earth observation, which could lead to significant breakthroughs.
Key Features
- Spacecraft and Crew: The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. The crew will include professional astronauts, researchers and private individuals.
- Duration and Activities: With a planned duration of 14 days, the crew will conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS.
- Commercial Space Station Development: Ax-4 is a step toward Axiom Space’s goal of establishing the first commercial space station, transitioning from the ISS to an independent orbital platform.
Significance for India
The Axiom-4 mission represents a landmark collaboration between ISRO and NASA, underscoring India’s expanding role in global space exploration. This mission will provide Indian astronauts the opportunity to participate in ISS activities, advancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and fostering international cooperation in space science.
The collaboration also builds on commitments made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to the U.S., where a joint statement confirmed NASA’s agreement to provide advanced astronaut training to India under the Artemis Accords.
India’s Human Spaceflight Plans
While the Axiom-4 mission is a milestone for Indian astronauts, ISRO’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is planned for post-2025. Before the manned mission, ISRO will conduct two unmanned flights to ensure safety and mission readiness.
About the ISS
The International Space Station (ISS) is a permanently crewed laboratory orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers. It is a collaborative project involving 15 countries and five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, NASA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
The ISS hosts an international crew of seven astronauts and cosmonauts who conduct experiments and maintain operations while traveling at a speed of 7.66 km/sec. The station completes an orbit around Earth every 90 minutes, resulting in 16 orbits per day.
The Axiom-4 mission not only advances India’s ambitions in human space flight but also highlights the growing role of private players in the global space industry. It signals a new era of international collaboration and commercial innovation in space exploration.
