SOURCE: AFI
In a historic move that propels India’s space ambitions to new heights, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a strategic partnership with Axiom Space Inc. for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s human space flight program, ‘Gaganyaan’.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for this prestigious mission, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as the backup. This decision comes after a rigorous selection process conducted by a National Mission Assignment Board.
The chosen astronauts will undergo intensive training commencing from the first week of August 2024, preparing them for the challenges of spaceflight. However, the final approval to fly to the ISS rests with the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
This mission is poised to be a pivotal moment for India’s space program. It will provide invaluable experience and knowledge, contributing significantly to the overall Gaganyaan mission. Moreover, it reinforces India’s growing stature in the global space community and strengthens its collaboration with international partners like NASA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s space exploration has been instrumental in driving this ambitious endeavor. The conferment of ‘astronaut wings’ to the Gaganyaan astronaut-designates, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is a testament to the nation’s commitment to space exploration.
As India eagerly awaits the launch of its first citizen into space, this partnership with Axiom Space and the selection of Group Captain Shukla as the prime astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission signify a giant leap forward in India’s space odyssey.