Pearly Pandya, Director of International Government Business at Axiom Space, recently shared insights about the upcoming Axiom-4 mission in an exclusive interview with NDTV. This mission marks a significant milestone as it will see Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travel to the International Space Station (ISS), making him only the second Indian astronaut to go to space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

Key Highlights From The Interview

The Axiom-4 mission is expected to launch between April and June 2025, led by Dr. Peggy Whitson, a highly experienced former NASA astronaut. As the mission pilot, Shubhanshu Shukla will be responsible for navigation and emergency protocols, although much of the Crew Dragon spacecraft's operations are autonomous.

Pandya emphasised India's emergence as a space superpower, citing the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission as evidence of the country's growing capabilities in space exploration. She expressed excitement about India's plans for its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station), projected to be operational by 2035.

Axiom Space is exploring partnerships with India's space agency ISRO and private Indian launch companies to potentially utilize Indian rockets for future missions. This initiative aligns with India's recent efforts to open its space sector to private players and enhance its commercial space capabilities.

The cost per seat on commercial missions like Axiom-4 is estimated to be in the mid-$60 million range, highlighting the financial aspects of such ambitious space endeavours.

Mission Overview

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts. This mission, a collaborative initiative between India and the United States, is scheduled for spring 2025 and will represent India's first human presence aboard the ISS since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984.

Mission Name: Axiom-4 (Ax-4)
Launch Date: Spring 2025
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, USA
Duration: Up to 14 days aboard the ISS

Crew Composition:

Pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (IAF)
Backup Pilot: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (IAF)
Commander: Peggy Whitson (Axiom Space)
Other crew members include specialists from Poland and Hungary

Training And Responsibilities

Shukla and Nair are currently undergoing rigorous training at various facilities, including NASA and Axiom Space. Their preparation includes:

Spacecraft Operations: Navigation, docking procedures, and emergency handling.
Scientific Research: Conducting five experiments related to microgravity on the ISS.
Technical Training: Familiarization with ISS systems and safety protocols.

The Axiom-4 mission is pivotal not only for advancing India's capabilities in human spaceflight but also for fostering international cooperation in space exploration. It aims to enhance the collaboration between ISRO and NASA, contributing valuable experience towards India’s own Gaganyaan project, which is set to launch in the near future.

This mission underscores India's growing role in global space activities, following recent successes such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. The Ax-4 mission will be a landmark event for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's inaugural mission to the ISS.