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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is partnering with NASA and US company Axiom Space to send an Indian astronaut, known as the “Gaganyaatri,” to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the AXIOM 4 mission.
The announcement came from Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The mission is planned to advance India’s human spaceflight program and strengthen international cooperation in space research.
The astronaut selected for the mission is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently undergoing training alongside three international astronauts. He will join them aboard the ISS to conduct scientific experiments and participate in space outreach programs.
Shukla was chosen as the prime candidate by ISRO’s Astronaut Selection Board, which also named Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup astronaut. The selection process involved oversight by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
The AXIOM 4 mission represents a major step for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. It follows the agreement between ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and Axiom Space Inc., a NASA-identified service provider.
This partnership allows ISRO access to the ISS via NASA and supports the ongoing development of India’s Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first independent crewed spaceflight project expected to launch by 2025.
Dr. Singh emphasized that this collaboration will enhance India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and deepen its cooperation with NASA. The mission will provide valuable experience for India’s future space missions and help build stronger ties in international space exploration.
This mission is a key milestone in India’s expanding role in space, reflecting its growing presence on the global stage and ambitions to contribute to international space research efforts.
