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The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
ZeroG indicator Joy fifth ‘crew' member of Axiom-4 mission
A new 'crew' member of the Axiom-4 mission — a toy swan named Joy — was seen floating in the Dragon spacecraft as astronauts interacted with the mission control via a videolink on Thursday (June 26, 2025). Joy is the zero gravity indicator carried by the astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission which was selected because astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's son Kiash's love for animals. The tradition of flying a toy to mark the moment gravity gives way to weightlessness began with Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, and has since become a ritual in space missions. Also Read | Axiom-4 mission: Dragon spacecraft docks with International Space Station "We are here, not just the four of us, we also have with us our Zero-G indicator — Joy — that started to float with us just when we were injected into orbit. Joy is floating all over the capsule, sometimes we have to find him/ her here with us," Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski said. Group Captain Shukla said the swan is a great symbol that symbolises wisdom and also has the ability to discern in the age of distraction. "This means a lot more than just a ZeroG indicator. I think we all have symbolism, in Poland and Hungary and India as well," Group Captain Shukla said. Joy, the baby swan, embodies the shared pursuit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR) to soar high above our home planet, Axiom Space said in a statement. Also Read | Why does the Axiom-4 mission need 28 hours to reach the ISS? "In this way, Joy represents cultural unity as three nations realize the return to human spaceflight, together as one crew," it said. In India, it symbolizes wisdom and purity, representing the pursuit of truth. In Poland, the swan stands for purity, loyalty, and resilience, while in Hungary, it epitomizes loyalty, grace, and the beauty of nature. "By choosing a swan as the zero-g indicator, the Ax-4 crew celebrates the diversity of their cultures, united in the shared human experience of space exploration," Axiom Space said.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Zero Gravity indicator Joy is the fifth 'crew' member of Axiom-4 mission
During the Axiom-4 mission, a toy swan named Joy served as the zero-gravity indicator, selected due to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's son's affection for animals. This tradition, started by Yuri Gagarin, symbolizes weightlessness in space. Joy represents cultural unity between India, Poland, and Hungary, embodying wisdom, purity, loyalty, and the shared pursuit of space exploration. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A new 'crew' member of the Axiom-4 mission - a toy swan named Joy - was seen floating in the Dragon spacecraft as astronauts interacted with the mission control via a videolink on is the zero gravity indicator carried by the astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission which was selected because astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla 's son Kiash's love for tradition of flying a toy to mark the moment gravity gives way to weightlessness began with Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, and has since become a ritual in space missions."We are here, not just the four of us, we also have with us our Zero-G indicator - Joy - that started to float with us just when we were injected into orbit. Joy is floating all over the capsule, sometimes we have to find him/ her here with us," Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski said the swan is a great symbol that symbolises wisdom and also has the ability to discern in the age of distraction."This means a lot more than just a ZeroG indicator. I think we all have symbolism, in Poland and Hungary and India as well," Shukla the baby swan, embodies the shared pursuit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR) to soar high above our home planet, Axiom Space said in a statement."In this way, Joy represents cultural unity as three nations realize the return to human spaceflight, together as one crew," it India, it symbolizes wisdom and purity, representing the pursuit of truth. In Poland, the swan stands for purity, loyalty, and resilience, while in Hungary, it epitomizes loyalty, grace, and the beauty of nature."By choosing a swan as the zero-g indicator, the Ax-4 crew celebrates the diversity of their cultures, united in the shared human experience of space exploration ," Axiom Space said.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4 mission: Inside Shubhanshu Shukla's 14-day stay on ISS; what experiments, research await
India's Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as part of Axiom Space's fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for launch around 12pm on Wednesday. The 14-day Ax-4 mission, which also includes crew members from the US, Poland, and Hungary, will be the most science-intensive mission ever conducted by Axiom, with over 60 research experiments representing 31 countries. For Shukla, serving as mission pilot, the trip is more than symbolic. Representing India alongside ISRO , he will help lead scientific investigations ranging from crop viability in microgravity to biological resilience in extreme environments. This international collaboration not only elevates India's profile in space research but also serves as a precursor to the country's upcoming manned Gaganyaan mission. Key Indian experiments aboard the ISS India's contribution to the Ax-4 mission, led by ISRO in collaboration with NASA and ESA, focuses on advancing microgravity research aboard the ISS. The goal is to better understand how living systems behave in space and to develop technologies crucial for future long-duration missions. The experiments will explore several key areas: Digital behaviour: How astronauts use screens, track eye movements, and handle stress in zero gravity. Crop and seed growth: Six seed varieties and sprouting behaviour will be studied to assess genetic and nutritional changes. Microbial life : Research on cyanobacteria and microalgae will investigate their viability for use in life support and food systems. Muscle health: A study on muscle degeneration will identify biological pathways and potential countermeasures. Tardigrades: These resilient organisms will be tested for survival and gene activity in space. Broader global collaboration This Axiom mission is unique in its scope, with research also being contributed by ESA (Europe), NASA, and Hungary's HUNOR programme. Polish experiments will investigate neurofeedback, gut microbiome changes, and wearable health tech, while Hungary will explore cognition, motor skills, and even fruit fly resilience. Each partner nation is using the ISS as a laboratory to test innovations in health, materials science, and environmental sustainability—building the groundwork for future planetary missions and permanent off-world infrastructure like the upcoming Axiom Station. Crew prepares for launch The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled to launch at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12 noon IST) on Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Piloted by India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the crew will travel to the International Space Station aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket. Docking is expected around 7 a.m. EDT (4 p.m. IST) on Thursday. Commanding the four-member crew is former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight. The mission specialists include ESA project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The crew has been in quarantine in Florida ahead of liftoff. This mission is historic for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's return to government-sponsored human spaceflight after more than 40 years. It also represents the first time all three will participate in a mission aboard the ISS. For Group Captain Shukla, this is a milestone moment, as he follows in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 in 1984. 'All systems are looking good for Wednesday's launch of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station, and weather is 90 per cent favourable for liftoff,' SpaceX confirmed in a post on X. This mission strengthens India's growing space ambitions, as it lays the foundation for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission in 2027, and a planned Indian landing on the Moon by 2040.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom Mission 4 to launch today: When & where to watch live Ax-4 mission
Axiom Mission 4 livestreaming: India is all set to make history again as Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a major international space mission, prepares for liftoff. The mission features ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). After multiple delays, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is finally ready for launch on Wednesday, June 25, and space enthusiasts are excited to watch it live. What is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)? Axiom Mission 4, also called Ax-4, is a private space mission organised by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX. The mission will send four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission marks a huge step forward for private space travel and international cooperation. Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History for India One of the biggest highlights of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the inclusion of Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He will serve as the pilot for the mission and will become the second Indian ever to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He is also the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, making this mission extremely special for the nation. Meet the Ax-4 Crew Members The four-member crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) includes astronauts from four different countries: Peggy Whitson – Former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the mission. Shubhanshu Shukla – Representing India and ISRO, will act as the pilot. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – An astronaut from Poland, representing ESA (European Space Agency). Tibor Kapu – An astronaut from Hungary, part of the HUNOR programme. This is a proud moment not just for India but also for Poland and Hungary, as all three nations send astronauts to space after a long time. When is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Launching? The launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is scheduled for: Date: Wednesday, June 25 Time: 2:31 AM EDT (which is 12:01 PM IST in India) The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts will travel aboard a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, riding on the reliable Falcon 9 rocket. They are expected to dock with the International Space Station by 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26. Where and How to Watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Live If you are wondering when and where to watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) live, here are the platforms: NASA+ official website SpaceX's official website X (formerly Twitter) @SpaceX, with live coverage starting around 2 hours before launch Make sure to tune in on time to witness this historic moment for India and global space exploration. Why Was the Ax-4 Launch Delayed? Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) faced multiple delays before final launch approval. The reasons included: Bad weather conditions Technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Concerns with the Russian module of the ISS Despite being delayed six times, everything is now in place with SpaceX reporting 90% favourable weather conditions for the launch. What Will the Astronauts Do in Space? The Axiom Mission 4 crew will stay aboard the ISS for around two weeks. Their tasks include: Performing scientific experiments Conducting educational outreach programmes Engaging in commercial space research This mission is also part of a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, fulfilling a commitment made during discussions between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Together, the space agencies are currently working on: Five joint scientific investigations Two in-orbit STEM demonstrations The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launch is a proud and thrilling moment for India, Poland, and Hungary. With Shubhanshu Shukla on board, India returns to space in a big way after decades. If you're excited to be part of this historic moment, now you know exactly when and where to watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) live. Stay tuned and cheer for our heroes as they set off on their incredible journey to the stars! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission LIVE updates: 4 decades later, second Indian heads to space today
Axiom-4 Mission LIVE updates: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel into space, nearly 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic mission in 1984 Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission LIVE updates: Following several postponements, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three international crewmates, is scheduled to depart for the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. SpaceX has confirmed that weather conditions are currently 90 per cent favourable for launch. According to NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, lift-off for the fourth private astronaut mission— Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—is now set for 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, 25 June. The mission will launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew will be transported aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched via the company's Falcon 9 rocket. Docking with the ISS is expected at approximately 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, 26 June. Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission: Crew composition and roles The mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and currently Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight. Shubhanshu Shukla, representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will serve as the pilot. Two mission specialists complete the crew: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, a project astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA) from Poland, and Tibor Kapu, part of Hungary's HUNOR programme (Hungarian to Orbit). Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission: Delays due to technical, weather issues The Axiom-4 mission had been delayed several times—initially because of adverse weather conditions and later due to technical concerns. Leaks were detected first in the Falcon 9 rocket and subsequently in a Russian module on the ISS. The launch was cleared after NASA and Russia's space agency Roscosmos reviewed recent repairs in the transfer tunnel located in the aft section of the ISS's Zvezda service module. 9:26 AM Who are the key members? The commercial mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former Nasa astronaut and currently Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight. Isro astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the mission's pilot. Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, a project astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA) from Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary's HUNOR programme will take on the roles of mission specialists. 9:21 AM Axiom Mission LIVE Updates: Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? Shubhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, completed his schooling at City Montessori School before enrolling in the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 and holds a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Along with the three other Gaganyaan astronaut designates, Shukla received intensive training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia and ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
