SpaceX rolls out Falcon-9 to launch India's Shubhanshu Shukla to space
SpaceX has rolled out the much-awaited mission for India to the launch pad as the Falcon-9 with the Dragon spacecraft reaches the launch site.The Dragon spacecraft that will be piloted by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the Space Station has been rolled out on the launch pad integrated atop the SpaceX reusable Falcon-9 rocket.The Ax-4 mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Centre on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 to the International Space Station on a 14-day mission with four astronauts from four different countries including India.Falcon 9 and Dragon rolled out to pad 39A in Florida earlier today ahead of Tuesday's launch of @Axiom_Space's Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/IenCNUSYFQ— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 7, 2025advertisement
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will be piloting the spacecraft and has been trained for the mission by SpaceX and Axiom Space. He will be responsible for supervising the launch and docking operations of the vehicle, which is completely autonomous and does not require human intervention.The spacecraft was brought to the Nasa launch pad by SpaceX, just hours before the dramatic spat between US President Donald Trump and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who were earlier close allies.Ahead of the launch, Shukla in a media briefing urged India to pray for the success of the mission.
The spacecraft was brought to the Nasa launch pad by SpaceX. (Photo: Axiom)
advertisement"I carry not just technical equipment but the hopes and dreams of 1.7 billion Indians. I will be conducting seven scientific experiments that could contribute significantly to our understanding of microgravity and pave the way for future space research. In many ways, I see myself as a bridge between Earth and space, and I'm proud to carry artefacts designed by the National Institute of Design, symbolising India's creativity and innovation," Shukla said.He added that this mission is a milestone and I request India to pray for the success of the mission. "Even stars are attainable, Jai Hind," Shukla said.Must Watch
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