Shubhanshu Shukla's Pioneering Journey: Axiom Mission 4

A Historic Space Journey

On June 25, 2025, a remarkable journey into space was undertaken by Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who piloted a special mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission involved three other astronauts aboard a spacecraft named Crew Dragon, developed by SpaceX.

What Was This Mission About?

• The mission is officially known as Axiom Mission 4.
• It is a private astronaut mission, distinct from typical government missions conducted by organizations like ISRO or NASA.
• The spacecraft launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, and successfully docked at the ISS on June 26.
• The mission is scheduled to last 14 days at the space station.

Who Were the Astronauts?

• Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
• Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander (a seasoned space veteran)
• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission specialist
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission specialist

How Did They Reach Space?

The astronauts traveled aboard:

• Falcon 9 rocket: A launch vehicle created by SpaceX.
• Dragon Capsule: This spacecraft is designed to carry up to 7 passengers to the ISS. Falcon 9 is notable for its power and reusability, having completed 485 missions and successfully landed 440 times.

What Are They Doing in Space?

During their time at the ISS, the astronauts are set to conduct 60 scientific experiments, which include 5 collaborative studies between ISRO and NASA. The focus of the Indian research includes:

• Investigating how microgravity influences edible algae and crop seeds.
• Growing salad seeds in space conditions.
• Examining muscle recovery in a zero-gravity environment.
• Analyzing bacteria and microorganisms in the space environment.
• Understanding human interaction with digital displays while in space.

Why Was the Launch Delayed?

Prior to the launch, several challenges were encountered, including:

• Technical difficulties within the capsule.
• Adverse weather conditions.
• Issues with the fuel system, specifically a liquid oxygen leak.
• Leak detection in a section of the Russian module on the ISS.

Synopsis

Axiom Mission 4 signifies India's growing influence in the realm of private space travel, with Shubhanshu Shukla at the helm of this remarkable expedition to the ISS. Utilizing SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule, the team will spend 14 days conducting 60 experiments, which include 7 Indian studies focusing on food, health, and electronics in the unique setting of space. Although the launch faced several delays due to weather and technical issues, it successfully lifted off from Florida on June 25, 2025.