After multiple delays, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into orbit today aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking a historic milestone for India’s space program. Accompanied by three fellow astronauts, Shukla is en route to the International Space Station (ISS), where the crew will conduct critical scientific research during a 14-day mission.
https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1MnGnwQOjzyJO
The Ax-4 crew, launched at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, includes mission commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran U.S. astronaut with over 675 days in space, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Shukla, serving as mission pilot, is the second Indian astronaut to reach space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission aboard a Soviet spacecraft.
A Historic Launch
The Ax-4 mission, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and NASA, faced several setbacks, including a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket and a pressure issue in the ISS’s Zvezda module. Despite these challenges, favorable weather conditions—90% clear skies—enabled a successful liftoff today. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the crew is expected to dock with the ISS’s Harmony module on Thursday, June 26, at approximately 4:30 PM IST (7:00 AM EDT).
Also read: How a Liquid Oxygen Leak Delayed Historic Axiom-4 Space Mission?
Shukla, a test pilot from Lucknow, India, expressed his excitement in a pre-launch statement shared on X: “This mission is a dream come true, not just for me but for India. I hope to inspire young minds to reach for the stars.” His participation highlights India’s growing presence in human spaceflight, with ISRO preparing for its own crewed mission in the near future.
Mission Objectives
During their two-week stay on the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct over 60 experiments, focusing on microgravity’s effects on human physiology, microbial behavior, and space agriculture. These studies aim to advance scientific knowledge and support future long-duration space missions. The crew will also engage in educational outreach, connecting with students worldwide via live broadcasts from the ISS.
International Collaboration
The Ax-4 mission, themed “Realize the Return,” marks the first government-sponsored human spaceflights for India, Poland, and Hungary in over 40 years. Uznański-Wiśniewski, part of the European Space Agency’s astronaut program, and Kapu, selected through Hungary’s HUNOR initiative, represent their nations’ renewed commitment to space exploration. Commander Whitson, with her unmatched experience, including 10 spacewalks, ensures the mission’s success.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to launch was fraught with obstacles. Initially scheduled for May 29, Ax-4 was postponed five times due to technical issues, including a Falcon 9 static fire test failure and an air leak in the ISS’s Russian segment. Rigorous inspections and repairs, coupled with SpaceX’s meticulous pre-launch protocols, resolved these concerns, culminating in today’s flawless launch.
Global Engagement
The launch was broadcast live on NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX’s YouTube and X platforms, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. NASA will continue to provide updates on the mission, including docking and key experiment milestones, accessible via its website and social media.
A New Era for Space Exploration
Ax-4 underscores the transformative role of commercial spaceflight, with Axiom Space leading efforts to expand access to low-Earth orbit. For India, Shukla’s journey is a source of national pride, carrying forward the legacy of Rakesh Sharma while inspiring future generations. As the crew embarks on their mission, the world watches, eager for the discoveries that await.
For more information, visit Axiom Space’s website or follow NASA and SpaceX on X for live updates.