In the spring of 2025, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla He is set to make history as the pilot of the Axiom-4 (X-4) mission, which will mark India’s first human presence in space. International Space Station (ISS) This historic mission will be launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This will be India’s second government-sponsored mission. Human spaceflight For the first time in four decades – Wing Commander (Retd) Rakesh Sharma went to space under a Soviet mission in 1984.
Axiom-4 Mission This is a result of a bilateral initiative between India and the US. More than a year ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his official visit to the US that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Subsequently, ISRO Signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight service provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup – fellow Indian astronaut, Group Captain Prashant Nair – are both IAF test pilots and have joined an international crew for the mission. Its commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla’s role, the mission and more with TOI over email.
“As the X-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures,” Whitson said. “The training will prepare him to respond to emergencies and perform critical systems checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments. This role involves extensive training in both technical and operational aspects of the spacecraft, ensuring he is well-prepared to contribute to the mission’s goals and overall success.”
In a recent Instagram Live event, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said that Indian astronauts will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for its Gaganyaan programme – ISRO’s first manned mission – by providing valuable experience in space flight operations and international collaboration.
Axiom Space has developed an intensive training program for astronauts, emphasizing both technical skills and emergency preparedness, Whitson said.
“We work together NASA and working with other international space agencies to ensure seamless integration with the ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain the health of astronauts during missions. By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to minimize risks and ensure the success of our missions,” he added.
Giving details about the preparations, he said that the X-4 astronauts will be given rigorous training at NASA founded by Elon Musk. SpaceXThe European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and other partner facilities trained in preparation for the mission. The training included safety protocols, health management, and ISS systems operations.
“We practice in the ISS mockup, reviewing procedures and acting out emergency scenarios to ensure we are prepared for any situation. Additionally, we receive specialized training for the research and technology demonstration payloads for the mission,” he added.
Preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. Extensive training ensures that astronauts are well-equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of the ISS.
The mission will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Dragon’s automated docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a safe journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, makes the Ax-4 mission different from previous space endeavors.
Whitson is America’s most experienced astronaut, with an impressive 675 days of history in space. Her extensive experience, including her role as a two-time ISS commander and former head of NASA’s Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. Her current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission’s importance in advancing commercial space ventures.
The Axe-4 mission to the ISS also includes experts Slawoj Uznański from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznański, a member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronics systems for space applications.
Kapu has been selected for the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut programme, and is an expert in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
“The X-4 crew will remain on the ISS for 14 days. This mission will realize the return of human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary, each country’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in more than 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the path to low-Earth orbit and advancing national space programs globally,” Whitson said.
The X-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that promote commercial activities in space.
“This mission is normalizing access, allowing countries and space agencies with varying capabilities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. Axiom Space missions play a vital role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organisations such as ESA, ISRO and HUNAR, Axiom promotes collaboration in human spaceflight, research and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom is building a sustainable and innovative commercial space ecosystem,” Whitson said.
Axiom-4 Mission This is a result of a bilateral initiative between India and the US. More than a year ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his official visit to the US that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Subsequently, ISRO Signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight service provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup – fellow Indian astronaut, Group Captain Prashant Nair – are both IAF test pilots and have joined an international crew for the mission. Its commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla’s role, the mission and more with TOI over email.
“As the X-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures,” Whitson said. “The training will prepare him to respond to emergencies and perform critical systems checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments. This role involves extensive training in both technical and operational aspects of the spacecraft, ensuring he is well-prepared to contribute to the mission’s goals and overall success.”
In a recent Instagram Live event, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said that Indian astronauts will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for its Gaganyaan programme – ISRO’s first manned mission – by providing valuable experience in space flight operations and international collaboration.
Axiom Space has developed an intensive training program for astronauts, emphasizing both technical skills and emergency preparedness, Whitson said.
“We work together NASA and working with other international space agencies to ensure seamless integration with the ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain the health of astronauts during missions. By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to minimize risks and ensure the success of our missions,” he added.
Giving details about the preparations, he said that the X-4 astronauts will be given rigorous training at NASA founded by Elon Musk. SpaceXThe European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and other partner facilities trained in preparation for the mission. The training included safety protocols, health management, and ISS systems operations.
“We practice in the ISS mockup, reviewing procedures and acting out emergency scenarios to ensure we are prepared for any situation. Additionally, we receive specialized training for the research and technology demonstration payloads for the mission,” he added.
Preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. Extensive training ensures that astronauts are well-equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of the ISS.
The mission will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Dragon’s automated docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a safe journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, makes the Ax-4 mission different from previous space endeavors.
Whitson is America’s most experienced astronaut, with an impressive 675 days of history in space. Her extensive experience, including her role as a two-time ISS commander and former head of NASA’s Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. Her current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission’s importance in advancing commercial space ventures.
The Axe-4 mission to the ISS also includes experts Slawoj Uznański from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznański, a member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronics systems for space applications.
Kapu has been selected for the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut programme, and is an expert in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
“The X-4 crew will remain on the ISS for 14 days. This mission will realize the return of human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary, each country’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in more than 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the path to low-Earth orbit and advancing national space programs globally,” Whitson said.
The X-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that promote commercial activities in space.
“This mission is normalizing access, allowing countries and space agencies with varying capabilities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. Axiom Space missions play a vital role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organisations such as ESA, ISRO and HUNAR, Axiom promotes collaboration in human spaceflight, research and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom is building a sustainable and innovative commercial space ecosystem,” Whitson said.
