Shubhanshu Shukla Makes History on ISS with Axiom-4 Mission
The Axiom-4 mission is a major milestone for India's space program, with Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to set foot on the ISS. The mission will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by Isro, and marks the first visit to the ISS for astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, India's space agency Isro, European Space Agency, and SpaceX. The four-member crew, led by former NASA veteran Peggy Whitson, docked with the ISS on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.
Shukla, a Group Captain, is only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984. The mission is a major step forward for India's space program, with Isro paying $59m to secure a seat for Shukla. During their two-week stay, the crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by Isro, focusing on microgravity research and other areas of interest.
The Axiom-4 mission is organized by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and marks the 18th human spaceflight for SpaceX since 2020. The crew, which includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, will conduct research and mark the first visit to the ISS for astronauts from these countries. Commander Peggy Whitson, 65, has logged 675 days in space, a US record, and will lead the mission.
Isro has ambitious plans to launch India's first human space flight in 2027, set up a space station by 2035, and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission to the ISS is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and his participation in the Axiom-4 mission is a testament to India's growing presence in the global space community.