Latest news with #Axiom4
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket creates nebula-like ring in night sky
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. During the early hours of June 25, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off into space, headed for the International Space Station. The launch was part of the private Axiom-4 space mission carrying four astronauts on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket that often carries cargo, Starlink satellites, or crew members in its corresponding Dragon spacecraft. Its reusable system aligns with SpaceX's mission to make spaceflight less costly, and thus more accessible. When the rocket's first stage booster returns to Earth for launch site landings, the stage's boost back burn can sometimes create these plumes of exhaust high in the atmosphere. The Falcon 9 rocket launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is currently headed for the International Space Station. The Ax-4 launch is a mission of "firsts," as it carried the first ever-people from India, Hungary and Poland into space, including pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu. Leading the team is former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, currently Axiom's director of human spaceflight. Ax-4 was not easy to get off the ground, however. The mission faced two weeks of delays since its original launch date of June 11, 2025. These delays were caused by high winds as well as leaks on both the launch vehicle and the ISS. But finally, on the morning of June 25, 2025, the Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched, ferrying the crew toward the ISS. Once there, the astronauts will spend two weeks in orbit and conduct over 60 experiments before returning back to Earth. You can read more about the Ax-4 mission and SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as the private spaceflight sector continues to expand into our night skies.
South China Morning Post
15 hours ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
India as a space power? Delhi eyes lift-off for sector after astronaut ISS milestone
The successful arrival of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla at the International Space Station (ISS) marks a pivotal moment in the country's evolving space strategy and signals its desire to join the ranks of global space powers, analysts have said. The move was also a stepping stone towards India 's first independent crewed mission by 2027 under the Gaganyaan programme, they added. The initiative is India's effort to become the fourth country – after Russia, the United States and China – to independently carry out human space flights. While on the ISS, Shukla will conduct scientific experiments on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on nutrient-rich microalgae, research that could play a vital role in sustaining human life during future deep-space missions. His participation is also seen as a major boost for India's broader space ambitions and an inspiration for aspiring astronauts, according to Satya Gupta, president of the VLSI Society of India, which promotes the country's digital and technological development. Axiom-4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India in Florida on Tuesday before his mission to the International Space Station. His participation is seen as a major boost for India's space ambitions. Photo: Reuters 'These scientific endeavours are useful over the long term. Nobody knew how important India's space economy would become when we started sending rockets 30 years ago,' Gupta said. 'It is not a straight calculation where you spend X amount of money and get returns immediately.'
India Gazette
a day ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO celebrates historic docking of Dragon Spacecraft carrying Indian astronaut to ISS
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX as the Dragon Spacecraft carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS). The Axiom Mission 4 spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26 at 16:15 hrs IST, marking a significant achievement in global space exploration. ISRO mentioned that a team led by the Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, V Narayanan, witnessed the historic moment in the Mission Control Room at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston. In the X post, ISRO posted, 'Axiom Mission 4 successfully docked with the @SpaceStation on 26 June 2025 at 16:15 hrs IST. Team ISRO, led by the Secretary, Department of Space and the Chairman, ISRO, witnessed the historical moment from the Mission Control Room at @NASA_Johnson, welcome ceremony of the Axiom 4 Crew was completed on ISS. Mission pilot Shubhanshu Shukla is the 634th Astronaut to be in Space. Heartiest congratulations to @Axiom_Space, @NASA, @SpaceX, and all international partners on this achievement!' Commenting on the mission, former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai described Ax-4 as a 'predominantly commercial venture' that paves the way for future space exploration. 'This is predominantly a commercial venture. It opens up ways for using space as a vantage point for future exploration. It will prove useful after the International Space Station completes its lifespan. The success of this mission will enable India's future ambitions of having a space station. The International Space Station can not be named so with India not being a part of it,' he said. Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's family celebrates historic Axiom-4 Mission success
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 27 (ANI): The family members of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gathered in Lucknow to celebrate as the Axiom Mission 4 mission crew successfully reached the International Space Station. The historic mission marks a significant milestone for India's space ambitions. Shambhu Dayal Shukla, father of Group Captain Shukla, expressed his gratitude and pride, stating, 'I thank all for coming to celebrate and bless my son. His achievement is a matter of pride for the nation.' Aboard the Grace Dragon capsule, Group Captain Shukla was seen carrying a soft toy swan, a symbol deeply rooted in Indian culture. Explaining its significance, Shambhu Dayal Shukla said, 'The swan is the carrier of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of truth and knowledge. It is considered a holy bird. Shubhanshu believes in God and performs a 'Gita paath' every day.' Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Science
- India Gazette
"Monumental for India's space science efforts": Mamata Banerjee as Axiom-4 piloted by Group Captain Shukla docks at ISS
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated the crew members of the Axiom 4 mission and said it was 'absolutely thrilling' to watch Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team safely reach the International Space Station (ISS). The West Bengal Chief Minister praised the young Axiom 4 pilot and said that his mission is a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying the country's position as a formidable space-faring nation. 'Absolutely thrilled to see our astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and other team members, safely reach the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4. Heartiest congratulations to all of them and especially to our very own Shubhanshu!' posted Banerjee on X. 'What an incredible achievement for him to become the first Indian ever to ISS! His mission is not just a personal achievement but a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying our position as a formidable space-faring nation. Congratulations, Shubhanshu, once again! Your journey has really made us all proud! Jai Hind!' her post read. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. The Ax-4 crew will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and will now take part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station. Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey. 'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' Shukla said. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement.' 'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment--it belongs to all of us,' he said. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard. The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. (ANI)
