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Shubhanshu Shukla Makes History as First Indian Aboard the ISS
Shukla becomes first Indian to enter the ISS
Context: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS). He was part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, alongside three other astronauts.
What is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)?
- Axiom Mission 4 is a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), organised by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX. The mission follows Axiom-1, Axiom-2, and Axiom-3.
- The mission signifies the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary — their first government-sponsored crewed missions in over 40 years.
- It is the second human spaceflight in history for each of these nations, and the first time they will participate in a mission aboard the ISS.
- Ax-4 will conduct around 60 scientific studies and activities, representing 31 countries, including India, USA, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and several European nations.
How is the Mission Being Carried Out?
- Launch Date & Site: June 25, Launch Complex 39A, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
- Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, known for its reusability and reliability.
- Capsule: SpaceX’s Dragon crew capsule will transport the astronauts to the ISS.
Why Is This Mission Important?
- It is India’s first astronaut visit to the ISS.
- It serves as a prelude to the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight program, expected no earlier than 2026.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) paid over ₹500 crore to include Mr. Shukla and backup astronaut Prasanth Nair in Ax-4.
- The mission enhances India’s presence in global human spaceflight and strengthens international collaborations.
International Space Station (ISS)
- ISS was officially approved by President Reagan and received budget approval from the US Congress in 1984.
- It is a joint venture involving five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
- It is Earth’s only microgravity laboratory.
- It is a large spacecraft that orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 400 km.
- An international crew of seven people live and work while travelling at a speed of five miles per second, orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes.
- It facilitates experiments, research, and international cooperation.
