What Caused the Delay of Shubhanshu Shukla's Flight to the ISS?
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Synopsis
In light of recent weather conditions delaying Shubhanshu Shukla's flight to the ISS, this article delves into the significance of his mission and what lies ahead for the first Indian astronaut to board the space station.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian on the ISS.
- The mission involves groundbreaking experiments on space nutrition.
- Weather conditions have delayed the launch multiple times.
- The new launch date is June 11, 2025.
- Collaboration with Nasa enhances the mission's significance.
New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) The historic mission of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) has faced yet another delay attributed to adverse weather conditions, as confirmed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday.
The Axiom Space mission, based in the US, is now set to transport Shukla along with three other crew members to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 11 at 8 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. IST).
This mission was originally slated for launch on May 29, later pushed to June 8, and then to June 10.
Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, announced via social media platform X that, "Due to weather conditions, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission to send Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS has been postponed from June 10, 2025, to June 11, 2025."
SpaceX elaborated that the Falcon 9 is now targeting a launch no earlier than Wednesday, June 11, due to high winds present in the ascent corridor.
A backup launch opportunity has been arranged for June 12 at 7:37 a.m. ET.
Upon the successful execution of this flight, Shukla will make history as the first Indian to reach the ISS, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who journeyed to the Salyut 7 space station in 1984.
Earlier today, Shukla's family expressed their feelings of immense pride, with his mother stating in a conversation with IANS from Lucknow, "We are definitely feeling proud; our son has achieved something that brings pride in itself..."
Shukla will be piloting the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the US. The crew also includes mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Once aboard the ISS, IAF Group Captain Shukla is set to conduct unique food and nutrition experiments.
These experiments, developed in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and supported by NASA, aim to advance space nutrition and establish self-sustaining life support systems crucial for extended space missions.
The studies will assess the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich food source with great potential.
Research will focus on key growth parameters and differences in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to conditions on Earth.
Point of View
I believe that while delays are frustrating, they are part of the rigorous preparations required for space missions. The safety of the astronaut and the success of the mission must always be prioritized. The advancements in space exploration are vital for national pride and scientific progress.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the delay of Shubhanshu Shukla's flight?
The delay is due to adverse weather conditions, as confirmed by ISRO.
When is the new launch date for the mission?
The new target launch date is June 11, 2025.
What experiments will Shubhanshu Shukla conduct on the ISS?
Shukla will conduct food and nutrition-related experiments focusing on the effects of microgravity on edible microalgae.
Who are the other crew members on the mission?
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
What is the significance of this mission for India?
Shubhanshu Shukla's flight will make him the first Indian to reach the ISS, marking a significant achievement in India's space exploration history.
