Successful Launch Of Axiom-4: Shubhanshu Shukla Is The First Indian In Space

After several postponements, the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission finally took off at 2:31 AM Eastern Time (12:01 PM IST) on Wednesday. India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three crew members veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson (US) serving as commander, Polish engineer Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian researcher Tibor Kapu launched into space.

Shukla, the pilot for Ax-4, is just the second Indian to make it to space and the first to take on an important operational role during a mission on the International Space Station (ISS).

As the mission approached, Shukla mentioned, “Even stars are within reach”. He emphasized that he wouldn’t just be bringing instruments and gear, but also the “hopes and dreams of a billion hearts”.

The mission took off on a SpaceX
Falcon-9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The team is set to head to the orbiting
lab aboard a new SpaceX Dragon space craft. They aim to dock at about 7am Eastern Time (which is around 4.30pm IST) on Thursday, June 26.

This launch chance follows discussions between Nasa and Roscosmos (the Russian space agency) about the recent repair progress in the transfer tunnel located at the back end of the Zvezda service module of the orbital lab.

Nasa and Roscosmos decided to reduce the pressure in the transfer tunnel to 100mm of mercury. The teams will keep evaluating the situation as they move ahead. Nasa emphasized that safety is still the main concern for both the agency and Roscosmos.

“Nasa and Roscosmos have been working together for a long time on the ISS. This professional partnership has enabled both agencies to develop a common technical strategy, and now the Ax-4 launch and docking will move forward”, stated acting Nasa administrator Janet Petro.

For this mission, NASA handles integrated operations, starting when the spacecraft approaches the space station, continuing throughout the crew’s time on the orbiting lab where they conduct science, education, and commercial activities, and wrapping up once the spacecraft leaves the station.

Currently, the launch and separation of the Dragon capsule have gone well, but the trip to the ISS isn’t a direct route. In the next 24 to 28 hours, Dragon will perform a number of engine burns with its onboard thrusters. These will elevate and modify its orbit, helping it to align with the path of the space station.

These maneuvers are scheduled to the
second. Even a tiny delay might impact the
rendezvous window. Dragon relies on GPS data,radiolocation, and its own sensors to constantly monitor both its location and that of the ISS.

As soon as Dragon gets within range, it starts a slow and steady approach. It stops at a few pre-determined spots – known as waypoints – beginning from 400 meters away and gradually getting closer. At every point, ground controllers and onboard systems evaluate if they should continue.

When Dragon is about 20 meters away, it will start its final approach. It uses a set of laser sensors and cameras to perfectly align with the docking port on the Harmony module of the station.

The spacecraft subsequently advances at a mere few centimetres per second until it establishes contact.

The initial stage is a soft capture, where magnets softly draw the capsule into place. This is succeeded by a hard capture mechanical latches and hooks lock the spacecraft in, creating a pressure-tight seal between Dragon and the ISS. After docking is finished, the crew isn’t permitted to leave their vehicle and enter the station right away.

Engineers on the ground conduct a series of leak checks and confirm that the pressure inside the docking vestibule is stable. Once verified, the hatches between Dragon and the ISS will open.

For Shukla, the mission pilot, this isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a proud moment for India’s growing involvement in global space exploration. While India launched its first astronaut into space, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, four decades back, Shukla’s mission signifies a huge advancement. He’s not just going to space; he’s taking on the role of pilot for one of the most research-heavy commercial missions to the ISS that has ever been attempted.

The team of four will conduct over 60 science experiments, with seven coming from India. These experiments will focus on metabolic diseases, the impact of microgravity on muscle and plant growth, microbial behavior, cognitive function, and materials testing. Researchers from over 30 different countries have played a part in contributing to the mission’s payload.

The team features seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson (US) as the commander, along with Polish engineer Sławosz Uznański, Hungarian researcher Tibor Kapu, and Shukla, an IAF test pilot. Their involvement is part of a larger Indian goal to acquire spaceflight experience in preparation for the Gaganyaan programme, which will be the nation’s inaugural crewed space mission.

SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, known as C213,
once it reaches orbit, will take about 28 hours to get to the ISS. After finishing their
science program, the crew will undock and
splash down near the California coast.
Shukla’s duties include keeping an eye on essential flight systems, performing
manual docking procedures if necessary, and ensuring crew safety during both launch and return.

Shukla has been preparing for months, training with Axiom, NASA, ESA, and SpaceX for this mission, along with Russia’s Gagarin Centre as part of Gaganyaan, all while accumulating over 2,000 flying hours as a test pilot.