Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

India marked a historic moment in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Organizations Involved:

  • Axiom Space – Mission organizer
  • NASA – ISS host and operations support
  • SpaceX – Provided Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon capsule

Launch Details:

  • Launch Date: June 25, 2025
  • Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
  • Mission Duration: ~14 days aboard the ISS

Mission Objectives:

1. Scientific Research in Microgravity:

  • Over 60 research experiments conducted across:
    • Life sciences
    • Material sciences
    • Human physiology
    • Earth observation

2. International Space Cooperation:

  • Promotes global collaboration in low-Earth orbit science.
  • Supports capacity-building for emerging space nations, including India, Poland, and Hungary.

3. National Space Program Development:

  • Enables participating nations to strengthen human spaceflight capabilities.
  • Acts as a stepping stone for India’s Gaganyaan and future space station plans.

Significance for India:

  • Revival of Human Spaceflight:
    • Marks India’s return to human space missions after four decades.
    • Reinforces India's presence in international human space exploration.
  • Boost to Gaganyaan Mission:
    • Offers valuable operational experience and technical collaboration.
    • Supports India’s vision to launch Gaganyaan, its first indigenous human spaceflight mission.
  • Long-Term Space Ambitions:
    • Aids India’s goal to establish its own space station by 2035.
    • Positions India as a partner in space science diplomacy and global research.
  • Scientific Prestige:India contributes to key microgravity experiments, enhancing its global research footprint in space.