Will Axiom Space Take Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS on June 19?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking announcement, Axiom Space is set to launch Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS on June 19, marking a historic moment for India. Delays due to technical issues have not deterred this ambitious mission, which aims to conduct vital experiments in space nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become India's first astronaut at the ISS.
- The launch is scheduled for June 19, 2025.
- Technical issues have been addressed, ensuring mission safety.
- Groundbreaking experiments on space nutrition will be conducted.
- This mission reinforces India's position in international space exploration.
New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) Axiom Space, a company based in the United States, is preparing to launch Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, as announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday.
The flight of Shukla, which was originally set for June 11, faced multiple delays due to technical issues concerning the Zvezda module of the ISS.
A leak was identified in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch examination.
ISRO highlighted that Axiom Space is collaborating with NASA to investigate the pressure anomaly within the Zvezda Service Module on the ISS.
In a statement, ISRO noted, "During a subsequent coordination meeting involving ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was verified that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been effectively addressed."
Axiom Space has now set a target date of June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-04 mission.
ISRO has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety of the mission and its cooperation with international stakeholders.
This mission is of monumental importance for India, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is anticipated to be the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, making him only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984.
Shukla will act as the pilot of the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States. Additional crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both designated as mission specialists.
Upon arriving at the ISS, Shukla will undertake groundbreaking experiments focused on food and space nutrition.
These experiments, developed through a partnership between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with assistance from NASA, seek to improve the understanding of sustainable life-support systems, which are essential for future long-duration space missions.
The research will also investigate the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, a nutrient-dense, high-potential food source for upcoming space endeavors.
The experiment aims to evaluate critical growth parameters and analyze transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic variations among different algal species in space compared to their behavior on Earth.
Point of View
I see this mission as a testament to India's growing space capabilities and international collaborations. The successful launch of Shubhanshu Shukla not only brings pride to our nation but also contributes to global advancements in space research. We stand with our nation, supporting this monumental endeavor.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shubhanshu Shukla's flight to the ISS?
Shubhanshu Shukla's flight is scheduled for June 19, 2025.
What caused the delay in the launch?
The launch was delayed due to technical issues concerning the Zvezda module and a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
What experiments will Shubhanshu conduct in space?
Shubhanshu will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition, focusing on sustainable life-support systems.
Who are the other crew members on the mission?
The mission crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Why is this mission significant for India?
This mission marks Shubhanshu Shukla as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, making it a historic milestone for India's space exploration efforts.
