Latest news with #Axiom-4Mission
Mint
5 days ago
- Science
- Mint
Axiom-4 mission delayed again: ISRO confirms Subhanshu Shukla's ISS spaceflight won't launch before 22 June 2025
The Axiom-4 mission, which was announced in May and would carry Subhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station, has been postponed for the third time. According to the newswire PTI, Shukla will not be able to go to space before 22 June 2025, further delaying his shot at achieving a major milestone. ISRO confirms the delay ISRO confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the teams from ISRO, Poland, and Hungary have engaged in a detailed discussion with Axiom Space regarding the probable launch timeline of Axiom Mission 4. Following the discussion, Axiom Space also held consultations with NASA and SpaceX to assess multiple parameters to ensure that the spacecraft is ready to take off. Axiom Space has informed that the next probable launch date is 22 June 2025. This date is given by considering the readiness status of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle and the Dragon spacecraft. Other factors, such as repairs in the Zvezda module of the International Space Station, ascent corridor weather conditions, and the health and preparedness of the crew in quarantine, also play a role in assessing whether the team is prepared to leave for its mission. What caused the earlier delay? The mission was originally scheduled for launch on 11 June from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, but the mission was postponed after the aircraft, which was supposed to carry the four astronauts to space, could not pass the quality test. The SpaceX team detected a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak during booster inspection. ISRO confirmed the delay, stating: 'It has been decided to clear the leak and carry out necessary validation tests before clearing for the launch.' Axiom-4 mission details Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the Axiom-4 mission, which will be piloted by Subhanshu Shukla. The other two astronauts joining the mission are ESA's Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. Also Read | Axiom-4 Mission launch gets postponed to 11 June due to bad weather
The Print
13-06-2025
- Science
- The Print
What is Zvezda module, Russian contribution to ISS further delaying Axiom-4 Mission
NASA and Axiom said in a statement they were postponing the launch so that, along with Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency, they can get more time to understand the problem. The leak was detected in the Russian Zvezda module of the ISS and the three cosmonauts in the module are working to fix the issue. New Delhi: A leak detected near the rear of the International Space Station (ISS) has further delayed the launch of the Axiom-4 Mission carrying IAF Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla to space, NASA announced Friday morning. According to ISRO, the new launch date will be announced jointly by NASA and Axiom once the issue is resolved. The decision was made keeping in mind that Shukla and the three other crew members aboard Ax-4 Mission are expected to spend a minimum of two weeks living on the ISS, conducting research. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also said it was 'working closely' with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX to 'responsibly address' the ISS module problem. ISRO is working closely with @Axiom_Space, @NASA, @SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax‑4 delay. Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities. With regards Dr. Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO & Chairman Space… — ISRO (@isro) June 12, 2025 This is the fourth time the Axiom-4 Mission, which marks an Indian astronaut's return to space after 41 years, has been postponed. The mission was initially set to launch on 29 May but was pushed to 8 June because of problems identified in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. It was subsequently moved to 9 June because of readiness issues in the SpaceX Falcon rocket, and then again to 10 June because of unfavourable weather conditions. On 10 June, Axiom announced that it had noticed a liquid oxygen leak in the rocket during the dry run and was postponing the launch again. The mission now stands postponed with no future launch date set. Also Read: What is a LOx leak—snag that has delayed Axiom-4 mission once again What is the Zvezda module The Zvezda module, part of the Russian contribution to the ISS, was docked to the station in July 2000. It provides life support systems, living quarters, communications systems and flight control systems to Russian cosmonauts aboard the station. According to the ISS blog, cosmonauts onboard the Zvezda module recently repaired the air leak in their module. However, NASA again discovered a change in air pressure inside the ISS, indicating a leak or anomaly. The cosmonauts have checked the interior walls of the Zvezda module for cracks and sealed the suspicious areas. While the pressure inside seems to be normal, NASA and Roscosmos are still looking for a longer-term solution. The ISS is made up of different modules attached by different space agencies—NASA, JAXA, CSA, ESA, and Roscosmos. While some modules like the Permanent Multipurpose Module by the ESA are used mainly for cargo storage, others like the Cupola by NASA are used for Earth observation and space walks. However, the Zvezda, like ESA's Tranquility Module and NASA's Unity Module, is one of three ISS modules that have life support systems for astronauts in space and provide living quarters. In the event of a new mission like Axiom-4 carrying a crew to space, it is vital for the station to be fully operational and intact to prevent potential problems during the docking of spacecraft or conducting research experiments. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: India poised for human spaceflight after 41 yrs—all about Axiom-4, Shubhanshu Shukla's 'dream come true'
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Science
- India Gazette
Axiom-4 Mission is part of ISRO's astronaut training program ahead of Gaganyaan mission: Indian scientist Tapan Mishra
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 10 (ANI): Ahead of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launch to the International Space Station (ISS) from the US on Tuesday as part of the human space flight mission with the private company Axiom Space, scientist Tapan Mishra said that it is part of ISRO's ongoing astronaut training program ahead of the country's Gaganyaan mission. Misra, Former Director of Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory in ISRO, said, 'The Indian government has planned to launch the Gaganyaan mission with our own astronaut from India by next year. As part of that initiative, four astronauts have been selected. Among them, one primary astronaut and one backup astronaut have been sent to participate in the Axiom-4 Mission--a commercial mission to the ISS, operated by private space company Axiom Space, which charges around $65 million per astronaut.' He further said that they would stay at the International Space Station for another two to three weeks. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will carry out experiments on muscle fatigue, muscle atrophy, and neurological degeneration in free space and also on the growth of certain crops and plants in free space. 'As a backup to Shubhanshu Shukla, another astronaut, Prasanth Nair, is also ready. India will be going through its maiden human space launch next year. Prior to that the pilot, captain, will have a first-hand exposure to a real-life launch scenario (Human space flight) and he will have experience of all the instrumentation required in the spacecraft and all the precautions to be taken and one can consider it as a training session and if any lacuna is there in our mission, we can have enough time to correct them and ensure that we'll have a safe Indian astronaut mission through Gaganyaan,' he further said. Scientist Misra said that it is a proud moment for India as it is after 41 years after Rakesh Sharma went to space another Indian astronaut is headed there. 'This is part of ISRO's ongoing astronaut training program. These astronauts were initially trained extensively in Russia, and now they are also being exposed to training and operational environments in the US, giving them experience with different types of launch systems. This dual exposure will help us identify and incorporate necessary precautions and best practices into our own Gaganyaan mission. With nearly a year to go before the launch, this opportunity serves as a valuable learning experience for ISRO to ensure a successful and safe human spaceflight mission.' The Axiom-4 mission launch was postponed to June 11, due to unfavourable weather conditions. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), will now lift off at 5:30 PM IST on June 11. ISRO wrote on X, 'Launch of Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station: Due to weather conditions, the launch of Axiom-4 mission for sending Indian Gaganyatri to International Space Station is postponed from 10th June 2025 to 11th June 2025. The targeted time of launch is 5:30 PM IST on 11th June 2025: Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, DOS / Chairman, Space Commission.' Shukla will be led by the mission commander, Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and an Axiom employee, and joined by the European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, of Poland, and Tibor Kapu, of Hungary. It will be the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4. The mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The crew will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. As part of a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, Axiom Mission 4 delivers on a commitment highlighted by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies are participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration. ISRO is planning to launch its own human spaceflight mission, called Gaganyaan, in 2027. The Gaganyaan Programme envisages undertaking the demonstration of human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the short term and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. (ANI)
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First Post
09-06-2025
- Science
- First Post
What is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying to space? Aam ras, halwa and more
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla readies to pilot the Axiom-4 Mission on June 10, he will carry with him a range of Indian delicacies prepared by Isro that will remind him of home, like aam ras, moong halwa and more. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot will head to the International Space Station along with three others, marking the first Indian astronaut to return to space after 41 years read more Since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shubhanshu Shukla feel a little more at home. They say food can be a home away from home, and for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, a few Indian delicacies will be just that — his little piece of comfort as he prepares to head into space. As part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST, along with three other astronauts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Typically, the American space agency follows a standardised food menu for all its space missions, said DK Singh, director of Isro's Human Spaceflight Centre (Hsfc). But since India is sending an astronaut to the ISS for the very first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is adding a personal touch by sending some Indian dishes to make Shukla feel a little more at home. Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, will spend 14 days in orbit, making history as the second Indian to travel to space since Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 flight. So what will be different this time? What is Shukla carrying to space? Here's a closer look. Indian space food for astronauts Ahead of his mission, Shukla will carry specially prepared Indian delicacies with him, a first for any Indian travelling to the ISS. His menu includes aam ras, moong dal halwa, gajar halwa and a selection of rice-based options. His sister, Suchi Shukla, a science teacher in Lucknow, told Hindustan Times that initially, Shukla wasn't allowed to carry Indian food on the flight as the cuisine is typically rich in spices, something space menus aren't used to. 'Since Indian food is high on spices, he wasn't getting the permission to carry them. But finally, they did allow a few varieties. He is a fitness-freak and highly into yoga, so I am sure he will balance it,' she said. Now that he has the go-ahead, Shukla is excited to share these flavours with his fellow astronauts, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For international missions, Nasa's Space Food Systems Laboratory produces freeze-dried food and packages commercially available beverage powders, cookies, candies, and other dried goods that the astronauts select for their menus. However, a taste of home for Indian astronauts was missing. But now, scientists from Isro and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Drdo) have developed space-friendly Indian food after years of research. Apart from Shukla's menu, the Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (Dfrl) has created ready-to-eat dishes like idli, upma, biryani, pulao, dal, vegetable curry, roti and halwa, all tailored for zero gravity. The meals are packed in special containers and will need to be rehydrated with water before consumption, Singh told The Print. Officials say the same menu will likely be part of the Gaganyaan crewed mission , India's first human spaceflight, expected to take off by 2027. Shukla will be on that mission too. 'We have developed a few options. Even if all of it isn't used for the Gaganyaan mission, it will come in handy for future human spaceflights,' Singh said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A few photographs, a swan soft toy Along with food and science experiments, Shukla is also carrying a few mementoes from home. While he isn't allowed to reveal exactly what personal items he's bringing, his sister feels her brother is 'carrying our photos'. She adds, 'He cannot disclose due to protocol. Once you take anything to space, it becomes a certified object that has travelled to space. So, he will bring those back and it will be memorabilia for us. We will only get to know what those things are once he's back.' Among the items confirmed is a small swan soft toy, which will act as the zero-gravity indicator for the Axiom-4 crew. Named 'Joy', the swan holds special meaning for all four astronauts, including Shukla. Floating alongside the Axiom 4 mission crew in the SpaceX Dragon capsule will be a small swan soft toy named 'Joy'. It is not only the zero gravity indicator but also 'In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning and purity,' he explained during a pre-flight virtual press conference. 'Swan is believed to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, representing purity, wisdom and grace.' 'Carrying this symbol reminds me of the delicate balance between knowledge and pressure, and it keeps me grounded in the values I hold dear. I feel inspired, fully prepared and confident as I embark on this journey,' Shukla added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shukla will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. X/@NASASpaceOps Prayers and excitement back home In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, the countdown to launch is filled with prayers, pride, and hope. The 39-year-old's family is watching closely, their hearts full as he prepares to make history. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government employee, said the entire family is backing him with confidence and positivity. 'The entire family is praying for him, and we are all very confident and positive. We are not scared now. We are happy that his name will go in history books,' he said. #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla says, "We are very proud of him, not just the family, but the whole country. The country's space mission is being sent after 40 years... It feels good that people are talking about my… — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025 His mother, Astha Shukla, told Hindustan Times, 'Woh khud bahut excited hai ki woh Bharat ke liye kuch naya karne jaa raha hai. Bas jaldi se mission khatam kar ke wapas aa jaaye.' (He is very excited as he is getting to do something new for India. Hope the mission ends successfully and he comes back soon.) Subhanshu Shukla's Home in Lucknow has become an inspirational spot for students, they are coming in numbers for selfies and wishes ♥️ Subhanshu is part of the 4 member team going to space in Axiom Mission 4, a collaboration b/w NASA & SpaceX. — Lucknow Development Index (@lucknow_updates) June 7, 2025 The astronaut is currently under quarantine before the mission. He joins the family for a video group call every day, along with his wife, Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, and five-year-old son, who are with him in Florida, Suchi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mission, operated by Texas-based Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and Nasa, will transport four astronauts, Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (US), Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week stay. With input from agencies
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New Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Study on healthcare in space, Ax-4 astronauts to conduct 60 global experiments
BENGALURU: Besides 60 experiments, the chosen four astronauts for the Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4) are also working to lay the path for future scientists to conduct missions without any concern over healthcare. ISRO astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is also the mission pilot, will conduct seven Indian experiments, including studies on stem cells and crop seeds. The commander and director of the human spaceflight Ax-4, Peggy Whitson, said she is looking forward to see the impact of research of diabetes in space and the slow growth of cancer cells. During an interaction with the media on Tuesday, ahead of the launch of the 14-days mission scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, Whitson said, 'We are excited to test the use of insulin in space. At present, if one is diabetic, they are disqualified for space research as there is no knowledge of how the body will react in space. But with proper technology to monitor it and with research, we will be able to open the space doors for a lot more people.' The exploration will conduct 60 scientific studies and activities from 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE and others. These studies are aimed at enhancing global knowledge in human research, use of artificial intelligence tools in space, biological and material research and the capabilities of humans in space, the astronauts said.
