Is Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Ready to Reach the International Space Station Tomorrow?

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Is Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Ready to Reach the International Space Station Tomorrow?

Synopsis

As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for his historic mission to the ISS, he aims to inspire countless individuals to pursue careers in space exploration. This groundbreaking journey is set to take place tomorrow, making Shukla the first Indian to reach the ISS.

Key Takeaways

  • Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS.
  • The mission aims to inspire future generations in space exploration.
  • Shukla will conduct important food and nutrition experiments in microgravity.
  • The crew includes international astronauts from various countries.
  • The mission represents a significant milestone for India's space exploration efforts.

New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is on the brink of embarking on a mission to ignite the passion for space exploration among the youth, as he prepares to become the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) this Tuesday.

Following two prior delays, Axiom Space, based in the US, is poised to launch its Mission-4 (Ax-4), which will feature Shukla alongside three other astronauts. The launch will take place from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 10 at 8:22 a.m. ET (5:52 p.m. IST).

While Shukla will make history as the first Indian on the ISS, he will be the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma, who visited the Salyut 7 space station back in 1984.

In a recent press briefing, Shukla expressed his steadfast confidence in the success of Mission-4.

During an interview with IANS in March, he shared his aspiration to leverage this momentous journey to inspire a new generation to explore careers in the field of space, just as he was motivated by Rakesh Sharma.

Shukla is set to pilot the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the US. The crew also includes mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Upon arrival at the ISS, Group Captain Shukla of the IAF will conduct groundbreaking experiments focused on food and nutrition.

These experiments, developed through a collaboration involving the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with NASA's support, aim to enhance space nutrition and create self-sustaining life support systems essential for prolonged space missions.

The study will investigate how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae, a nutrient-dense food source with significant potential.

Key growth parameters and variations in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species will be analyzed in space versus Earth conditions.

Meanwhile, Axiom Space is ready for its fourth mission to the ISS. Before the launch, the Ax-4 crew, along with SpaceX teams, successfully completed a comprehensive rehearsal for launch day.

“Go #Ax4!” the company declared in a social media post.

A backup launch opportunity has also been established for June 11 at 8:00 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. IST).

The Ax-4 mission marks the second commercial spaceflight, comprising a crew of government and ESA-sponsored astronauts.

Throughout the mission, the Ax-4 crew will engage in around 60 scientific studies and research activities, collaborating with contributions from 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and various European nations.

Point of View

We recognize the monumental significance of Shubhanshu Shukla's mission. His journey to the ISS represents a leap forward for Indian space exploration and serves as an inspiration for future generations. It is crucial that we support such initiatives that foster innovation and collaboration in the field of science and technology.
NationPress
14/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut who will become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) during Axiom Space's Mission-4.
When is the launch of Mission-4?
Mission-4 is scheduled to launch on June 10 at 8:22 a.m. ET (5:52 p.m. IST) from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
What experiments will Shukla conduct on the ISS?
Shukla will conduct experiments related to food and nutrition, focusing on the effects of microgravity on edible microalgae.
Who are the other crew members of Mission-4?
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson from the US, mission specialist Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
What is the significance of this mission?
This mission aims to inspire a new generation to explore careers in space and contribute to scientific advancements in space nutrition and life support systems.