Axiom-4 Mission / Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to space, countdown for AXIOM-4 mission begins

Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla will soon fly to the International Space Station along with three other astronauts under the Axiom-4 mission. The mission will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This will be a historic moment for India, as Shukla may lead the Gaganyaan mission in the future.

Axiom-4 Mission: Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to embark on a historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-4 mission. This mission will soon be launched from Complex 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, with a total of four astronauts. Shukla will play the role of pilot in this mission.

New chapter in India's space journey

This is the second occasion after 1984 when an Indian is being sent to space. Space strategist PK Ghosh said, "This is a proud moment for India, ISRO and every Indian citizen. Shubhanshu Shukla will stay on the space station for 14 days and this experience will prepare him to command India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission in the future."

Shubhanshu will take command of Gaganyaan

PK Ghosh also believes that based on the experience gained in the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will play a major role in Gaganyaan. They will conduct scientific experiments in space and will be fully capable of leading India's manned space missions in the future.

Who all are included in the mission?

The commander of Axiom-4 is Peggy Whitson, who is experienced in space flights. Tibor Kapu of Hungary and Slavoj Ujnanski-Wisniewski of Poland are also included in the mission as experts.

Message of peace from space

Space Kids India founder Dr. Shrimati Kesan praised the mission and said, "Space is borderless. This mission will emerge as a symbol of global peace and cooperation. Representation of India like Shubhanshu Shukla makes it even more glorious."

Shubhanshu's father proud

Shukla's father Shambhu Dayal Shukla said emotionally, "We are very proud. He is bringing laurels not only to Lucknow or Uttar Pradesh but to the entire country. We pray for his bright future."

Everything is favorable for launch

SpaceX has confirmed that the weather is about 90 percent favorable for launch. This mission was postponed several times before, but now all preparations are complete.