India's space ambitions are reaching new heights with the successful launch of Axiom-4, marking the country's first astronaut mission in over four decades.
India Celebrates Historic Space Launch: First Astronaut in 41 Years
India Celebrates Historic Space Launch: First Astronaut in 41 Years
India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla makes history as he journeys to the International Space Station.
The article text:
India has erupted in celebration following the successful launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, marking a significant milestone as it carries a crew from multiple countries, including the second Indian astronaut to venture into space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla commands this historic trip, set to make him the first Indian to dock at NASA's International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma’s journey in 1984.
The Ax-4 mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 02:31 EDT (06:31 GMT; 12:01 India time) and is led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran former NASA astronaut with extensive experience in space. Alongside Shukla, the mission includes astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This flight renews their nations' presence in space exploration after more than forty years.
In India, the mission has ignited tremendous public interest, with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) emphasizing that Shukla’s experience aboard the ISS will significantly contribute to India's future space endeavors. At 39 years old, he was selected among four Indian Air Force candidates for India’s inaugural human spaceflight, targeted for 2027. India also aims to establish its space station by 2035 and project aspirations for a lunar mission by 2040.
ISRO financed an investment of 5 billion rupees (approximately $59 million) for Shukla’s Ax-4 seat and training, signaling the country's commitment to advancing its space program. Shortly after liftoff, Shukla expressed his eagerness and pride, sharing a message back to India, "We're back in space after 41 years! Right now, we are orbiting Earth at a speed of 7.5km per second." He proudly signaled for unity and excitement for this groundbreaking journey.
The launch utilized a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, a spectacle watched by many in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of this mission, stating that Shukla embodies the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.
In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, celebrations erupted as his parents joined students in witnessing the launch, culminating in applause as the spacecraft lifted off. Shukla has an impressive background as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, having joined in 2006 and amassing over 2,000 flight hours.
During his two-week stay on the ISS, Shukla will oversee various scientific experiments, including seven from India. He is also expected to engage with students and communicate with Modi from space. Key research includes the effects of microgravity on crop seeds and microalgae cultivation, which could prove essential for sustained life in space.
This mission serves as a vital stepping stone in India's ongoing journey in space exploration, uniting its citizens in hopes of future advancements and discoveries beyond the Earth.
India has erupted in celebration following the successful launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, marking a significant milestone as it carries a crew from multiple countries, including the second Indian astronaut to venture into space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla commands this historic trip, set to make him the first Indian to dock at NASA's International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma’s journey in 1984.
The Ax-4 mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 02:31 EDT (06:31 GMT; 12:01 India time) and is led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran former NASA astronaut with extensive experience in space. Alongside Shukla, the mission includes astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This flight renews their nations' presence in space exploration after more than forty years.
In India, the mission has ignited tremendous public interest, with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) emphasizing that Shukla’s experience aboard the ISS will significantly contribute to India's future space endeavors. At 39 years old, he was selected among four Indian Air Force candidates for India’s inaugural human spaceflight, targeted for 2027. India also aims to establish its space station by 2035 and project aspirations for a lunar mission by 2040.
ISRO financed an investment of 5 billion rupees (approximately $59 million) for Shukla’s Ax-4 seat and training, signaling the country's commitment to advancing its space program. Shortly after liftoff, Shukla expressed his eagerness and pride, sharing a message back to India, "We're back in space after 41 years! Right now, we are orbiting Earth at a speed of 7.5km per second." He proudly signaled for unity and excitement for this groundbreaking journey.
The launch utilized a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, a spectacle watched by many in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of this mission, stating that Shukla embodies the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.
In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, celebrations erupted as his parents joined students in witnessing the launch, culminating in applause as the spacecraft lifted off. Shukla has an impressive background as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, having joined in 2006 and amassing over 2,000 flight hours.
During his two-week stay on the ISS, Shukla will oversee various scientific experiments, including seven from India. He is also expected to engage with students and communicate with Modi from space. Key research includes the effects of microgravity on crop seeds and microalgae cultivation, which could prove essential for sustained life in space.
This mission serves as a vital stepping stone in India's ongoing journey in space exploration, uniting its citizens in hopes of future advancements and discoveries beyond the Earth.
