India Returns to Space After 41 Years with Axiom-4 Mission
India is set to make history once again as it returns to human spaceflight after more than four decades. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is prepared to pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), marking India’s first human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984.
The Ax-4 crew has successfully completed their full launch day rehearsal, with the mission scheduled to launch on Tuesday. The crew is led by American astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander and includes Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland.
During their 14-day stay at the ISS, the Ax-4 astronauts are expected to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian school students, and global space leaders. Shukla will also conduct exclusive experiments related to food and nutrition, developed through a collaboration among the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.
The Indian government has invested ₹550 crore in this mission, viewing it as a crucial stepping stone for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027. Officials believe that the experience gained by Shukla on this commercial flight will greatly benefit India’s indigenous human spaceflight program.
This mission not only highlights India’s expanding role in space exploration but also fosters national pride and global scientific collaboration..
