Synopsis
ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS, making him the first Indian astronaut to reach the space station aboard a SpaceX spacecraft. The mission, launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is set for Spring 2025.Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla: First Indian astronaut to fly to ISS.
- Pilot for Axiom Mission 4 launching Spring 2025.
- Mission directed by Peggy Whitson.
- Involves crew from ESA and ISRO.
- Continues the trend of private astronaut missions.
New York, Jan 30 (NationPress) ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Shubhanshu Shukla is set to serve as pilot for the Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, which will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scheduled for no earlier than Spring 2025, as announced by the US space agency on Thursday.
Shukla will be recognized as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. As a current officer in the IAF, he has also been selected as an astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan Mission.
Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and the Director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will lead this commercial mission, with ISRO astronaut Shukla as the pilot, according to NASA.
Joining them as mission specialists will be ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
“I am thrilled to see ongoing enthusiasm and commitment for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station,” stated Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
“As NASA looks towards the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions are crucial in paving the way and increasing access to the unique microgravity environment,” added the US space agency.
The initial private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, launched in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second mission, Axiom Mission 2, was also commanded by Whitson and took off in May 2023, featuring four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The latest private mission, Axiom Mission 3, commenced in January 2024, with the crew remaining docked to the space station for 18 days.
“Collaborating with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” noted Whitson.
“Observing their unwavering dedication and commitment to broadening opportunities for their countries in space exploration is truly inspiring. Every crew member contributes distinct strengths and perspectives, transforming our mission into not just a scientific pursuit, but a celebration of human creativity and teamwork,” Whitson continued.
In the meantime, NASA reported on Thursday that it is “working diligently” alongside SpaceX to ensure the safe return of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and astronaut Butch Willmore, who have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for 238 days.
This announcement follows remarks from billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who indicated that US President Donald Trump had requested his assistance in facilitating the prompt return of both Williams and Wilmore.
