Latest news with #Ax-04
Deccan Herald
21 hours ago
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Shubhanshu Shukla and crew return to Earth after 18 day-space sojourn: All you need to know
In a historic moment for Indian and the world, Lucknow-born Shubhanshu Shukla, with his other crew members, splashed down to Earth on Tuesday. Here's everything you need to know about the big day. From details about the timing of landing to the prayers being recited at Shukla's home, we have you covered. .On Monday, the spacecraft exited the 'keep out sphere', a 200 metre line around the space station, capping a 22.5-hour journey after an 18-day stay. As the crew undocked, mission commander Peggy Whitson radioed 'Godspeed' and hoped for a safe return to Earth. The spacecraft splashed down at 3:01 pm IST off the California coast. It was hauled up on a special recovery ship for the astronauts to be brought out from the with Shukla, astronauts Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu also family and the entire internet prayed for the success of the commercial Axiom-4 mission and the safe return of the astronauts. Asha and Shambhu Shukla, parents of the group captain, told news agency ANI that the family was excited to know about the spacecraft's return. She also mentioned that they are praying and reciting hymns for a smooth landing and completion of the mission. .Time for feasts, farewells for Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 astronauts .It was on June 25 this year that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) proudly launched the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-04). However, it was originally scheduled for June "Grace" by its crew, the newly commissioned capsule flown for Axiom-4 was launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral in Florida on June 25, making its debut as the fifth vehicle in SpaceX's Crew Dragon has became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 odyssey. "Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hai (we will meet on Earth soon)," Shukla said at the farewell ceremony onboard the ISS on Sunday.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Axiom-4 trip to the ISS will provide valuable inputs for Gaganyaan mission: ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission which Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of will provide valuable inputs for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission. 'The Ax-04 mission will provide valuable inputs for ISRO's upcoming Gaganyaan mission. It offers hands-on experience in the nuances of international crew integration, medical and psychological preparation, real-time health telemetry, experiment execution, and crew–ground coordination,' ISRO said. It added that these insights will directly influence mission planning, safety validation, and astronaut readiness for India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission. 'This is one small step in orbit, but a giant leap in India's pursuit of human spaceflight and scientific discovery,' it added. ISRO said that preparations are also in progress for abort missions of the Gaganyaan mission and the first uncrewed test flight is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. It added that the first crewed flight of the Gaganyaan mission is expected by the first quarter of 2027. The space agency also said that as a tribute to India's rich cultural heritage, Group Captain Shukla is carrying a selection of the finest of Indian handicrafts to the International Space Station (ISS). 'These symbolic items, designed by students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, reflect the diversity, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty of India's traditional art forms, carefully curated to represent different regions and materials. These pieces serve as cultural ambassadors in space. Their journey aboard the ISS not only celebrates India's artistic legacy but also honours the generations of artisans who continue to keep these traditions alive,' the space agency said.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Axiom-4 will provide valuable inputs for Gaganyaan mission: ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission which Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of will provide valuable inputs for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission. 'The Ax-04 mission will provide valuable inputs for ISRO's upcoming Gaganyaan mission. It offers hands-on experience in the nuances of international crew integration, medical and psychological preparation, real-time health telemetry, experiment execution, and crew–ground coordination,' ISRO said. It added that these insights will directly influence mission planning, safety validation, and astronaut readiness for India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission. 'This is one small step in orbit, but a giant leap in India's pursuit of human spaceflight and scientific discovery,' it added. ISRO said that preparations are also in progress for abort missions of the Gaganyaan mission and the first uncrewed test flight is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. It added that the first crewed flight of the Gaganyaan mission is expected by the first quarter of 2027. The space agency also said that as a tribute to India's rich cultural heritage, Group Captain Shukla is carrying a selection of the finest of Indian handicrafts to the International Space Station (ISS). 'These symbolic items, designed by students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, reflect the diversity, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty of India's traditional art forms, carefully curated to represent different regions and materials. These pieces serve as cultural ambassadors in space. Their journey aboard the ISS not only celebrates India's artistic legacy but also honours the generations of artisans who continue to keep these traditions alive,' the space agency said.
India.com
14-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
All Eyes On June 19: Axiom's India-Backed Rs 550-Crore Astronaut Mission Cleared For Liftoff
New Delhi: There is a renewed sense of anticipation around India's space community. After five reschedules and an anxious wait, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the International Space Station is now tentatively set for June 19. The update came from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which confirmed that the issues delaying the launch have been addressed through a coordinated effort involving Axiom Space, SpaceX and NASA. This mission, India's first foray into commercial spaceflight with Axiom, is symbolic for more than one reason. It marks the country's growing presence in global human spaceflight and also reaffirms the trust placed in international collaboration when things do not go as planned. Originally scheduled for May 29, the mission had to be pushed back several times due to a mix of technical glitches and weather-related complications. One delay came after a liquid oxygen leak was discovered during a pre-launch check on the Falcon 9 rocket. Another was triggered by a pressure anomaly aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where the astronauts will be staying for 14 days. Yet through every twist, engineers and mission planners chose caution over compromise. 'Postponement was the right call. When human lives are involved, every variable must be triple-checked,' said ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan in an earlier statement. The recent coordination between ISRO, Axiom and SpaceX confirmed that the Falcon 9 rocket is now launch-ready. The liquid oxygen leak has been successfully resolved, and preparations are underway for a new liftoff window. While Axiom, NASA, and SpaceX have not officially announced June 19, ISRO has said the target date stands unless there is another last-minute development. Also known as Ax-04 or informally as Mission Akash Ganga, Axiom's fourth mission is a important step for India. The country has invested Rs 550 crore to secure a seat for Group Captain Shukla, who would become the second Indian astronaut in history to go to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The all-international crew includes seasoned astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson – who holds the American record for most cumulative days in space – as mission commander. Joining her are mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. Shukla, who serves as the pilot, will contribute to scientific experiments as well as participate in an educational outreach initiative – connecting with people back on Earth from orbit. During their time at the ISS, the crew is expected to carry out over 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by Indian researchers. These projects span areas like space medicine, microgravity materials and life-support systems. Group Captain Shukla is currently in quarantine, healthy and ready for what could be the defining journey of his life. This mission, in many ways, represents something bigger than just one astronaut's voyage. It is a reflection of India's emerging role in commercial human spaceflight and Axiom Space's commitment to making space more accessible, one launch at a time.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla's Ax-04 mission: Liquid oxygen leak resolved; June 19 new launch date
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla with his group. NEW DELHI: The liquid oxygen leak detected in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle , which postponed the launch of Ax-04 mission , has been fixed, the Indian Space Research Organisation ( Isro ) announced on Saturday. The new launch date being targetted is June 19. At a subsequent coordination meeting involving ISRO, Axiom Space , and SpaceX, confirmation was received that the liquid oxygen leak detected in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle had been effectively addressed. In a separate development, Axiom Space reported their ongoing collaboration with Nasa to evaluate the pressure irregularity discovered in the Zvezda Service Module aboard the International Space Station. In a press release, Isro said, "During a follow-on coordination meeting between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been successfully resolved. Separately, Axiom Space informed that they are working closely with NASA to assess the pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the International Space Station. Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025 for the launch of the Ax-04 mission." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The astronauts were originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29, which was put off to June 8, June 10 and June 11, when SpaceX, the providers of the launch rocket and the space capsule, detected a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket. Former Nasa astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The 14-day mission will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.
