Latest news with #ISROSpaceflight
News18
a day ago
- Science
- News18
Say Cheese! Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Selfie With Hungarian Crewmate Lights Up Social Media
Last Updated: The photo, which surfaced on Sunday, shows Shukla smiling alongside his Hungarian crewmate, Tibor Kapu A selfie taken by Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from space has captured the internet's attention. The photo, which surfaced on Sunday, shows Shukla smiling alongside his Hungarian crewmate, Tibor Kapu, inside the Cupola module of the International Space Station (ISS). — ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 29, 2025 Lucknow-born Captain Shukla made history last Thursday by becoming the first Indian to set foot on the ISS, and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984. At 39 years old, he is now the 634th astronaut to travel beyond Earth, taking part in a commercial mission operated by Axiom Space. As Mission Pilot of the four-member Axiom Mission 4, Shukla launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After a smooth 28-hour journey, the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS, where he and the crew were greeted with warm hugs and handshakes. After stepping into the ISS, Shukla signed off his first public message with the proud words, 'Jai Hind, Jai Bharat." The Prime Minister also praised Shukla for bringing pride to the nation. He noted that though Shukla is presently the farthest from the Indian motherland, he remains closest to the hearts of all Indians. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Why is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying this white baby swan soft toy named Joy in his spacecraft in Axiom 4 ISS space mission?
What is Zero-G indicator in space missions? Why a Swan? — ISROSpaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) The Mission: Axiom 4 Launch and Objectives Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? As India's Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to mark a historic milestone in space exploration, a graceful white swan is capturing hearts and headlines. This isn't just any swan—it's Joy, a plush toy that will accompany Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his journey aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). While Group Captain Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, it is Joy who will first float in zero this feathered friend is more than a cute companion. Chosen as the Zero-G indicator for the mission, Joy carries the weight of tradition, symbolism, and a touch of India's cultural elegance into the vastness of space.A Zero-G indicator is an object (often a soft toy) used to visualize the transition into weightlessness during a crewed space mission. The tradition of using a soft toy as a Zero-G indicator has been a longstanding one in the history of human spaceflight. The concept traces back to Yuri Gagarin's pioneering mission in 1961 when a small doll accompanied him to detect weightlessness. SpaceX, continuing this practice, has seen astronauts bring plushies ranging from dinosaurs to Earth-themed Axion 4, Joy will serve this same role. Once the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft enters Earth's orbit, Joy will detach from its tether and begin to float, silently confirming that the spacecraft and its human crew have officially entered microgravity. For those watching back on Earth, it will be a simple yet profound symbol of humankind's ascent into the selection of a swan wasn't arbitrary. The crew of four astronauts—representing India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States—chose the swan together, but the symbolism resonates deeply for India. In Indian mythology, the swan is the vahana (divine vehicle) of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, and the arts. The bird signifies purity, transcendence, and spiritual months of anticipation and several delays, Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Weather conditions are reported to be 90% favorable, and the mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft mounted atop a Falcon 9 the mission is Peggy Whitson, a seasoned former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force, will serve as the mission's pilot. He is accompanied by two other private astronauts from Hungary and two-week mission marks a significant milestone in Indo-American space collaboration. It fulfills a promise made during a 2019 joint commitment between then-U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen cooperation in space exploration. The astronauts will conduct joint scientific investigations, educational STEM demonstrations, and commercial outreach activities during their stay aboard the in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—fondly known as Shux—is set to become the first Indian astronaut in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. His journey to the stars began in the classrooms of City Montessori School, where the seeds of ambition were first telling his family, he appeared for and cleared the UPSC NDA entrance exam. He later completed his in Computer Science at the National Defence Academy, followed by flying training at the Indian Air Force Academy. Commissioned into the fighter stream in 2006, Shukla went on to become a highly decorated test pilot with more than 2,000 hours of flying time across various aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Fighter Cockpits to Space CapsulesShukla was one of four candidates selected in 2019 under ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) to train for the Gaganyaan mission. He underwent rigorous training at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. He also earned a Master of Technology degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), further equipping himself for the complex dynamics of is married to a dentist, and the couple have a four-year-old son. His father is a retired government officer, and his mother is a homemaker. He is the youngest of three siblings.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is 42-year-old Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla taking a soft toy swan to space in the Axiom-4 mission?
As India eagerly anticipates its next giant leap into space, an unexpected and heartwarming companion is stealing the spotlight. Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , set to make history as the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984, won't be alone on his pioneering Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside him will be a silent, graceful passenger: a white plush swan named Joy. More than just a cuddly toy, Joy represents a cherished space tradition and holds a poignant symbolic value for India's groundbreaking journey. A Feathered Friend's Cosmic Debut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a designated astronaut under ISRO's ambitious Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and will serve as pilot for the private Axiom-4 mission. The launch, originally slated for May, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has been pushed to June 11, 2025 (5:30 PM IST) due to weather concerns. As the world watches, Joy the swan will play a crucial role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo — ISROSpaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) Upon entering Earth's orbit, Joy will begin to float freely inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft , signaling to Shukla and his international crew that they have officially entered the realm of zero gravity. This charming tradition dates back to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961, who carried a small doll to indicate weightlessness. Since then, a "Zero-G indicator" plushie has become a staple of SpaceX missions, with astronauts selecting companions ranging from "Buzz Lightyear" to various Earth-themed characters. Why a Swan? A Symbol of Unity, Grace, and Indian Heritage The choice of a swan as the Axiom-4 mission's Zero-G toy was a collective decision by all four international astronauts – from India, Hungary, Poland, and the USA. However, for Group Captain Shukla and India, the swan resonates with a deeper cultural significance. In Indian tradition, the swan is the revered vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, embodying purity, knowledge, and artistic grace. Beyond its cultural ties, the swan universally symbolizes resilience and purity. You Might Also Like: Bad weather pushes astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 launch date by a day, lift-off now set for June 11 Group Captain Shukla articulated his personal connection, explaining that bringing Joy into space will help him "stay grounded in Indian values" as they venture into the cosmos. For the IAF officer, Joy will represent "unity, tradition, and hope across cultures and continents" as it drifts weightlessly in the vast expanse of space. — Axiom_Space (@Axiom_Space) Mission Axiom-4: Pushing India's Space Odyssey The Axiom-4 mission marks the fourth private astronaut expedition to the ISS, spearheaded by Axiom Space commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The international crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Group Captain Shukla's role as pilot underscores the high responsibility and precision required for this historic flight aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Indian Air Force has extended heartfelt wishes to Group Captain Shukla and the crew, emphasizing that this mission will "add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey. Touch the sky with glory!" This mission is a significant stride for India as it prepares for its own ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The Department of Space has invested approximately Rs 413 crore in this mission, making Shukla the first Indian to reach the ISS. — IAF_MCC (@IAF_MCC) Weather Holds, Technical Hurdles Cleared Beyond weather, SpaceX also tackled pre-launch technical challenges. William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX's VP of Build and Flight Reliability, confirmed a liquid oxygen leak on the Falcon 9 booster, now mitigated with an installed purge system. A thrust vector control system issue was also resolved. A recent "dry dress rehearsal" for the full launch simulation proceeded smoothly, building confidence for the new launch window. You Might Also Like: ISRO's Gaganyatri to carry out microgravity research experiments during upcoming Axiom-4 mission Adding to the mission's significance, this flight marks the inaugural journey for an updated version of the Dragon spacecraft. Gerstenmaier highlighted improvements in food processing, propulsion, and crew stair security, stating, "This isn't just the same old Dragon." The Falcon 9 booster itself is on its second flight, contributing to SpaceX's busy year, which has already seen three Dragon missions in just 38 days.
