Axiom-4 Mission Carrying Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Launch Today

The Axiom-4 mission, launching on June 25, carries Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and aims to conduct about 60 scientific studies involving 31 countries. After delays, this mission marks a return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with a diverse crew aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

The Axiom-4 mission is set to carry a wealth of scientific research to the International Space Station, featuring around 60 investigations representing 31 different countries. This includes notable participation from nations such as India, the U.S., Poland, and Hungary. After several delays for various reasons, the long-awaited launch is now scheduled for today, June 25, at 2:31 AM EDT, which translates to about noon IST.

Launch preparations will unfold at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, specifically from Launch Complex 39A. Astronauts will ascend to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s well-known Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant moment in human spaceflight. SpaceX took to social media to share promising news about the launch conditions, with a post stating that all systems are functioning well. They mentioned, “weather is 90% favorable for liftoff,” providing a sense of optimism as the countdown begins.

So what exactly is the Axiom-4 mission? This private astronaut mission represents a pivotal moment, ushering in a return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary—a first for these countries in over 40 years. Axiom claims that this flight will be their second-ever human spaceflight mission, underscoring the historical significance of this joint endeavor. Notably, it marks the debut of a collaborative mission aboard the ISS, showcasing a united effort in space exploration.

The diverse crew for this mission consists of four qualified astronauts. The pilot for this venture will be Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is set to command the mission. Additionally, the team includes Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the European Space Agency and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, both serving as mission specialists during the flight.

The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant leap for human spaceflight, particularly for India, Poland, and Hungary, as they mark a historic collaboration in sending their astronauts to the ISS. With the launch imminent, hopes are high for successful scientific research and international cooperation in space exploration. The crew seems ready, and so does the Falcon 9 rocket, poised to make history soon.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com