Latest news with #SławoszUznański
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
SpaceX Crew Dragon with 4 Axiom Space astronauts docks with space station
The International Space Station got more international Thursday morning with the arrival of astronauts from three countries making their first visit to the orbiting laboratory aboard the private Axiom Space Ax-4 mission flying on a SpaceX Crew Dragon. Commanding the visiting crew is Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space employee who is making her fifth trip to the station. She's leading India's Shubhanshu Shukla, Poland's Sławosz Uznański and Hungary's Tibor Kapu who will stay on board for about two weeks. The quartet launched from Kennedy Space Center early Wednesday making a 28-hour approach to the station docking at 6:31 a.m. It's the debut visit for the new Dragon spacecraft named Grace as it docked to the space-facing Zenith side of the Harmony port joining Crew Dragon Endurance that has been docked with the station since its arrival with Crew-10 in March. 'Grace is happy to be on Harmony,' said Ax-4 commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space employee who is making her fifth visit to the station. 'We cannot wait to open the hatch and give you guys a hug. We'll see you soon,' said NASA's Nichole Ayers, one of the Crew-10 crew that is now part of Expedition 73 from on board the station. 'From Houston, welcome aboard the International Space Station,' came the call out from mission control. 'It's an honor to have you join our outpost of international cooperation and exploration.' 'We are honored to be here,' Whitson replied. Welcome remarks are expected at 9:35 a.m. once the hatch is opened and the four Ax-4 crew get on board. The addition of India, Poland and Hungary grows the number of countries to 26 that have visited the space station, which has hosted continuous crews since November 2000. Since construction first began in 1998, 288 people have now flown to the station. Axiom Space has been responsible for several countries from that growing list having now flown 14 customers to the station representing 11 countries. With the four members of Crew-10 as well as three who flew to the station on a Soyuz spacecraft in April, the station now has 11 people on board. For Whitson, this is her second visit to the station as an Axiom employee following her three visits as a NASA astronaut. She already held the record for any American and any woman for number of days spent in space, a tally that has now hit 676 and expected to surpass 690 days before the Ax-4 crew returns to Earth. Before then, the crew is slated to perform more than 60 science and technology experiments for 31 countries. 'You really have to hit the ground running,' said fellow former NASA astronaut and Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría, who was on the station during the Ax-1 and Ax-3 missions. 'You've got, in this case, 14 days to get a lot of stuff done. Every detail is preprogrammed by the teams on the ground, working with NASA, and we really have an effort to try to maintain that pace.' His advice to the new visitors was to stay focused, but not get overwhelmed. 'You have a huge responsibility. Your family, your colleagues, your space agencies, your nations are really counting on you, but at the same time, try to enjoy it. Try to really soak this in this is generally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla's SpaceX mission to FINALLY launch past midnight – here's how you can watch
After a string of 'failed dates', the D-Day is finally here – and this time, even the weather is in favor! After multiple delays due to a variety of reasons, the much-anticipated Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is set to be launched on Wednesday, June 25, at 2.31 am EDT. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As the 'weather is 90% favorable for liftoff' this time, according to , the mission is set to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at 's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Axiom-4 mission, which is a SpaceX endeavor and a fully commercial human spaceflight, will be carrying a diverse crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Here's all you need to know about the mission and crew. Mission objectives and significance The Ax-4 mission aims to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS. The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days conducting about 60 scientific experiments in microgravity, contributing to advancements in various scientific fields. This mission not only furthers scientific knowledge but also fosters international collaboration in space exploration. This mission, operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA, is notable for its diverse crew representing India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States. Each of these nations is participating in a government-sponsored human spaceflight for the first time in over four decades. The diverse crew The Ax-4 crew, representing the United States, India, Poland, and Hungary, is due to ride a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to orbit, which will get off the ground with the assistance of the company's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. The mission aims to conduct microgravity experiments, promote international collaboration in space exploration, and demonstrate the feasibility of commercial space stations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut, commands the Ax-4 mission. With a record of 675 days in space, she holds the US record for the most cumulative time spent in space. Her leadership in this mission underscores her extensive experience and commitment to advancing human spaceflight. Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu 'Shuks' Shukla of the Indian Air Force serves as the mission pilot. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla has over 2,000 flying hours across various aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI. He is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission. This flight marks a significant achievement for India's space endeavors and highlights the country's emerging presence in international space missions. Sławosz Uznański (Poland) – Mission specialist Sławosz Uznański, a European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut from Poland, is assigned as a mission specialist. Selected from over 22,500 applicants, Uznański represents Poland's first astronaut since 1978. His participation underscores Poland's growing involvement in space exploration and its collaboration with international space agencies. Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission specialist Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer, is Hungary's second astronaut to fly to space. Selected through the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program, Kapu's mission is supported by the Hungarian Space Office and Axiom Space. His participation highlights Hungary's commitment to advancing its space program and contributing to international space research. How to watch the liftoff You can watch the Ax-4 liftoff live on SpaceX's website or social media. As per SpaceX, 'Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station and weather is 90% favorable for liftoff. Webcast starts at 12:30 a.m. ET.' Meet Shubhanshu Shukla, The First Indian Set For Space in 41 Years | Axiom-4 Mission | NASA | SpaceX
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
SpaceX Axiom 4 Mission: Four nations, one mission – all about the diverse crew
They might have hit a snag, but now they are ready for the glorious takeoff! The Axiom-4 mission, a SpaceX endeavor and a fully commercial human spaceflight, is all set to carry a diverse crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The venture known as Axiom Mission 4, which was due to get off the ground on the morning of Tuesday, June 10, NASA announced that the mission's launch from Florida's Space Coast in Cape Canaveral would be delayed yet again to wait out some bad weather. Now, the launch could happen as early as 8 am ET on Wednesday, June 11, from NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The Ax-4 crew, representing the United States, India, Poland, and Hungary, is due to ride a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to orbit, which will get off the ground with the assistance of the company's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. The mission aims to conduct microgravity experiments, promote international collaboration in space exploration, and demonstrate the feasibility of commercial space stations. Here's all you need to know about the mission and the diverse crew. Mission objectives and significance The Ax-4 mission aims to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS. The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days conducting about 60 scientific experiments in microgravity, contributing to advancements in various scientific fields. This mission not only furthers scientific knowledge but also fosters international collaboration in space exploration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Guayaquil: Calcule cuánto podría ganar invirtiendo en Amazon CFD Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo This mission, operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA, is notable for its diverse crew representing India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States. Each of these nations is participating in a government-sponsored human spaceflight for the first time in over four decades. The crew: A blend of expertise and national pride Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut, commands the Ax-4 mission. With a record of 675 days in space, she holds the US record for the most cumulative time spent in space. Her leadership in this mission underscores her extensive experience and commitment to advancing human spaceflight. Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu 'Shuks' Shukla of the Indian Air Force serves as the mission pilot. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla has over 2,000 flying hours across various aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI. He is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma 's 1984 mission. This flight marks a significant achievement for India's space endeavors and highlights the country's emerging presence in international space missions. Sławosz Uznański (Poland) – Mission specialist Sławosz Uznański, a European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut from Poland, is assigned as a mission specialist. Selected from over 22,500 applicants, Uznański represents Poland's first astronaut since 1978. His participation underscores Poland's growing involvement in space exploration and its collaboration with international space agencies. Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission specialist Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer, is Hungary's second astronaut to fly to space. Selected through the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program, Kapu's mission is supported by the Hungarian Space Office and Axiom Space. His participation highlights Hungary's commitment to advancing its space program and contributing to international space research. Training and preparation In preparation for the mission, the crew underwent rigorous training at various international space agencies. They completed comprehensive training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, covering communications systems, emergency response procedures, and conducting research activities inside the Columbus module. Additionally, the crew trained at JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, focusing on the operation of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), known as Kibō. Launch and mission timeline Axiom Space had originally been working toward a May 29 launch before takeoff was first pushed to June 8 as part of adjustments to the space station's schedule. The launch was delayed Monday, June 9, for the third time as mission operators continue to plan around inclement weather forecasted along the Dragon's flight path. The launch was then bumped again to June 10 before NASA announced it would be delayed for another 24 hours. Now, finally, the launch is set to happen as early as 8 am ET on Wednesday, June 11, from NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Shubhanshu Shukla, India's First Astronaut to the ISS, Talk About Axiom-4 Mission, ISRO, Gaganyaan
