The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has joined forces with NASA and the US private aerospace company Axiom Space to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4). Scheduled for launch no earlier than August 2024 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this mission will mark a key milestone for India’s space program.
The selected astronaut, called a “Gaganyaatri,” will be one of four candidates currently training under the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first manned spaceflight program expected to launch by 2025.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, confirmed the collaboration in a written response to the Lok Sabha. He explained that the astronaut will be chosen by ISRO’s Astronaut Selection Board from the four Gaganyaan trainees, all of whom are Indian Air Force test pilots undergoing intensive training at the astronaut facility in Bangalore.
The AX-4 mission will carry the Indian astronaut alongside three international crew members to the ISS. This partnership represents not only a significant step in India’s human spaceflight ambitions but also a broader push for international cooperation in space research. The collaboration with Axiom Space provides ISRO with access to new technologies and expands opportunities for scientific research and resource sharing.
ISRO’s engagement with NASA and Axiom Space also signals a growing trend of public-private partnerships in space exploration. The Gaganyaan program aims to build on this momentum, preparing India for future independent human space missions while fostering international ties. This mission is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and contribute valuable experience for upcoming projects.