Axiom-4 Update: After Seamless Lift-Off, SpaceX Dragon Braces For Docking; Next Stop ISS
Dragon will undergo multiple orbital burns before docking with ISS's Harmony module at 4:30 pm IST, followed by hatch-opening, safety checks and crew handover activities.
After a seamless lift-off from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is now on course to dock with the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone in its journey and a pivotal moment for India.
Ever since its separation from the Falcon-9's second-stage, the Dragon capsule has been orbiting the Earth – awaiting perfect alignment with the microgravity laboratory. The four-member crew changed out of their space-suits, had a meal and took a rest period before their arrival – during what is referred to as the Activation and Rendezvous Phase of the spacecraft.
This is the first flight for the SpaceX's Dragon supporting the mission, adding a fifth Dragon to the SpaceX's fleet of spacecraft supporting commercial human spaceflight missions. As it approaches the ISS, NASA's role now becomes critical – managing the integration phase of docking, continuing support through the crew's stay aboard the ISS and concluding after their safe splashdown into the sea.
NASA TAKES CHARGE, AS DRAGON APPROACHES ISS
Scientists have been closely monitoring the spacecraft's trajectory. Though it may seem like a routine procedure for the US-space agency, each mission presents its own set of complexities during docking. Though very few, there have been instances where technical glitches, navigation misalignments, communication dropout or a sudden anomaly caused delays.
In 2020, SpaceX Crew-1 faced a minor navigation alignment issue during docking, but it was soon resolved by the on-board systems. In 2019, Boeing's Starliner encountered a more serious setback during its first orbital test flight, when a system anomaly prevented it from reaching the ISS. The spacecraft had to return to Earth prematurely, but managed to complete the mission on its second un-crewed attempt in 2022. The mission was aimed at validating Starliner's role in NASA's human spaceflight programmes.
During this 28.5-hour journey, Dragon will perform a series of orbital burns to gradually align and raise its orbit for a precise docking with the ISS's Harmony module. While automated systems are designed to handle docking procedures efficiently, they still demand careful monitoring and maneuvering by ground teams and on-board crew.
According to the current timeline, it is scheduled to dock with Harmony's space-facing port at 4:30 PM IST after which the hatch will be opened, allowing the crew to enter the ISS and begin their stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. The Ax-4 private astronauts will greet the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, call down to Earth for welcoming remarks, then participate in a safety briefing with the station residents.
PROUD MOMENT FOR EVERY INDIAN
Just as the Falcon-9 ascent began, scientists, researchers from various institutes gathered at CSIR headquarters in New Delhi to watch the big moment. 'Very rarely do I go speechless, but today is one such day. I consider this the greatest opportunity for CSIR – second only to the Chandrayaan touchdown. Day by day, society is starting to believe more strongly that development can truly happen through science and technology, and the space team is taking us to even greater heights. They will conduct experiments, explore how Carbon-Nitrogen exchange happens in microgravity, and even the potential to grow plants. Based on this first step, we may begin to understand so much more – what all is possible in space," said Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director-General, CSIR.
Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences too was ecstatic as he congratulated ISRO for its successful collaboration. 'We are very happy for Group Captain Shukla that he will get to see the Earth from space, and eagerly waiting for the pictures. This will also help in preparing for Gaganyaan, so by the time it comes, we will be ready. It is a milestone that has been delayed multiple times, but it is a proud moment for all of us. And next we have is Samudrayaan (India's deep ocean mission). We are waiting for that moment too."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Massive Asteroid As Big As An Airplane To Zoom Past Earth On July 4, Says NASA
NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2025 MV89, a 120-foot-wide space rock approximately the size of a small passenger aeroplane, will safely pass by Earth on July 4. The asteroid will come as close as 1.22 million kilometres, travelling at a speed of 19,441 miles per hour. While this might sound far, it's relatively close in astronomical terms. Belonging to the Aten group of asteroids whose orbits often cross Earth's path, 2025 MV89 is being monitored closely by NASA. However, the agency has clarified that there is no threat from this flyby. For an asteroid to be classified as hazardous, it must be over 150 metres wide and come within 7.4 million kilometres. This object meets neither condition. Still, space agencies are vigilant. Even small orbital shifts could alter future paths, so tracking continues. India's space agency ISRO is also stepping up planetary defence strategies. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently emphasised the need to monitor larger objects like asteroid Apophis, expected to pass Earth in 2029. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with NASA, ESA, and JAXA to develop stronger systems for asteroid detection and response. ISRO is working on missions that could land on asteroids to assess risks and study ways to protect Earth from potential impacts. While 2025 MV89 poses no danger, it acts as a reminder of the importance of constant space surveillance. Events like this reinforce the need for international collaboration in ensuring Earth remains safe from celestial threats.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
After Shubhanshu Shukla, NASA's Anil Menon gears up for Expedition-75
As ISRO's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla continues his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), NASA astronaut Anil Menon is preparing for his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Menon will serve as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, scheduled to lift off in June 2026. He will be joined by Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina for an eight-month stint aboard the ISS adding to the growing Indian footprint in space. The trio will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Once aboard the station, Menon will conduct a range of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. Selected by NASA in 2021, Menon graduated with NASA's 23rd astronaut class in 2024. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he brings an impressive mix of skills to the table. He's an emergency medicine physician, mechanical engineer, and colonel in the U.S. Space Force. NASA Astro Class 23 The fly shape represents our class, 'the flies'. Twelve stars represent the candidates of class 23 and the UAE and US flags are both displayed. And of course the astronaut pose represents our faith in NASA's return to the moon while keeping an eye on Mars! — Anil Menon (@astro_anil) October 28, 2022 Menon also holds a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, a master's in mechanical engineering, and a medical degree from Stanford. He completed residencies in emergency and aerospace medicine at Stanford and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. It was worth the wait !!! — Anil Menon (@astro_anil) September 15, 2024 Outside of spaceflights and experiments, Menon still practices emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Center and teaches at the University of Texas residency program. Before joining NASA, he was SpaceX's first flight surgeon, supporting the historic NASA-SpaceX Demo-2 mission. He also served as crew flight surgeon for multiple ISS missions. It is the 75th long-duration mission to the ISS, which is currently scheduled to launch in June 2026. The primary purpose of the ISS is to enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth. Expedition 75 will likely contribute to this by conducting various scientific experiments and research projects.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Shubhanshu Shukla breaks mentor Rakesh Sharma's 41-year-old space record
Rakesh Sharma is India's first astronaut to go to space. (Photo: India Today) Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space Shubhanshu Shukla calls Rakesh Sharma his mentor Shukla has been conducting critical muscle health research Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history by becoming the longest-staying Indian astronaut in space, surpassing the 41-year-old record set by Rakesh Sharma. As of July 3, 2025, Shukla has spent over 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 seconds in orbit, overtaking Sharma's milestone from his 1984 mission aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station. Shukla, 39, is currently serving as the mission pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), a landmark collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. Rakesh Sharma is India's first astronaut to go to space. (Photo: AFP) Launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, Shukla's journey marks India's return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. He is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to orbit, following Sharma's pioneering flight. The Ax-4 crew, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes Shukla as pilot and mission specialists Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski and Tibor Kapu. Their mission involves conducting around 60 scientific experiments, with Shukla leading seven of them, focusing on microgravity research and international collaboration. The mission also shows India's growing role in global space exploration and the evolution of ISRO into a world-class space agency. Shuykla recently partnered with astronaut Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski in the Space Station's Columbus laboratory module to analyse near-infrared technology to record brain activity. Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enters Space Station. (Photo: Nasa) He has been working on seven Indian studies in space that will bolster India's human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan Mission. Shukla has been conducting critical muscle health research inside the Kibo laboratory's Life Sciences Glovebox aboard the ISS. His work focuses on muscle stem cell cultures to understand how microgravity causes muscle degradation and how this loss might be prevented or mitigated. Shux, who considers Rakesh Sharma as his idol, had said befoe leaving for space that he is carrying something special for his mentor and will give it to him when he returns. "I owe much of my inspiration and guidance to India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma. He has been a mentor in every sense, supporting me from the early stages of selection to the Ax-4 mission preparation. As a fellow IAF test pilot, he understands the physical and mental readiness this journey demands. Although he won't be traveling to US due to certain constraints, he has been with me every step of the way," Shukla had said before launch. As Shux continues his two-week stay aboard the ISS, his record-breaking mission not only honours India's space heritage but also inspires a new generation of Indian scientists and explorers, reaffirming the nation's commitment to advancing human spaceflight. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history by becoming the longest-staying Indian astronaut in space, surpassing the 41-year-old record set by Rakesh Sharma. As of July 3, 2025, Shukla has spent over 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 seconds in orbit, overtaking Sharma's milestone from his 1984 mission aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station. Shukla, 39, is currently serving as the mission pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), a landmark collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. Rakesh Sharma is India's first astronaut to go to space. (Photo: AFP) Launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, Shukla's journey marks India's return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. He is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to orbit, following Sharma's pioneering flight. The Ax-4 crew, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes Shukla as pilot and mission specialists Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski and Tibor Kapu. Their mission involves conducting around 60 scientific experiments, with Shukla leading seven of them, focusing on microgravity research and international collaboration. The mission also shows India's growing role in global space exploration and the evolution of ISRO into a world-class space agency. Shuykla recently partnered with astronaut Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski in the Space Station's Columbus laboratory module to analyse near-infrared technology to record brain activity. Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enters Space Station. (Photo: Nasa) He has been working on seven Indian studies in space that will bolster India's human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan Mission. Shukla has been conducting critical muscle health research inside the Kibo laboratory's Life Sciences Glovebox aboard the ISS. His work focuses on muscle stem cell cultures to understand how microgravity causes muscle degradation and how this loss might be prevented or mitigated. Shux, who considers Rakesh Sharma as his idol, had said befoe leaving for space that he is carrying something special for his mentor and will give it to him when he returns. "I owe much of my inspiration and guidance to India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma. He has been a mentor in every sense, supporting me from the early stages of selection to the Ax-4 mission preparation. As a fellow IAF test pilot, he understands the physical and mental readiness this journey demands. Although he won't be traveling to US due to certain constraints, he has been with me every step of the way," Shukla had said before launch. As Shux continues his two-week stay aboard the ISS, his record-breaking mission not only honours India's space heritage but also inspires a new generation of Indian scientists and explorers, reaffirming the nation's commitment to advancing human spaceflight. Join our WhatsApp Channel
