Axiom Space's historic Axiom-4 mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center, transporting a diverse crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. This journey represents a pivotal moment for India, as Shukla becomes only the second Indian to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
The Axiom-4 mission, which took off at 02:31 EDT, includes crew members from Poland and Hungary, highlighting the international collaboration in modern space exploration. The astronauts will work on 60 scientific experiments during their two-week stay on the ISS, with support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which invested 5 billion rupees to secure Shukla's spot.
In a recent live session from space, Shukla expressed his excitement, describing the experience as a thrilling ride and marveling at the view. He humorously noted his adaptation to zero gravity, likening it to learning to walk anew.
The mission also features an intriguing addition: a small toy swan named Joy, described as the "fifth crew member," serving as a zero-G indicator. Shukla shared that Joy symbolizes wisdom amidst the distractions of modern life.
Axiom Space Commander Peggy Whitson announced the vehicle's name, Grace, emphasizing the mission's elegance and the blend of science and goodwill it embodies. The name reflects an understanding that space exploration serves the purpose of benefiting humanity globally, not just a significant technical undertaking.
This milestone mission aims to bolster India's ambitions in human spaceflight, as ISRO plans to launch its first human mission by 2027 and establish a space station by 2035, with aspirations to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
The Axiom-4 mission, which took off at 02:31 EDT, includes crew members from Poland and Hungary, highlighting the international collaboration in modern space exploration. The astronauts will work on 60 scientific experiments during their two-week stay on the ISS, with support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which invested 5 billion rupees to secure Shukla's spot.
In a recent live session from space, Shukla expressed his excitement, describing the experience as a thrilling ride and marveling at the view. He humorously noted his adaptation to zero gravity, likening it to learning to walk anew.
The mission also features an intriguing addition: a small toy swan named Joy, described as the "fifth crew member," serving as a zero-G indicator. Shukla shared that Joy symbolizes wisdom amidst the distractions of modern life.
Axiom Space Commander Peggy Whitson announced the vehicle's name, Grace, emphasizing the mission's elegance and the blend of science and goodwill it embodies. The name reflects an understanding that space exploration serves the purpose of benefiting humanity globally, not just a significant technical undertaking.
This milestone mission aims to bolster India's ambitions in human spaceflight, as ISRO plans to launch its first human mission by 2027 and establish a space station by 2035, with aspirations to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
