Axiom-4 Mission

Why in the News?

The Axiom-4 Mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with three others, successfully returned to Earth on July 15, 2025.

About Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Mission

• Mission Type: 4th private astronaut mission to the ISS by US private company Axiom Space, in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.

• Duration: 14 days aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

• Astronauts:

  • Shubhanshu Shukla (India)

  • Peggy Whitson (USA)

  • Sławosz Uznański (Poland)

  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

• Significance:

  • First mission to ISS for India, Poland, and Hungary.

  • First government-sponsored spaceflight for these countries in over 40 years.

  • Conducted 60+ scientific experiments from 31 countries (microgravity, human physiology, Earth observation, etc.).

ISRO’s Research Activities on Ax-4

• Crop growth: Studying microgravity effects on 6 crop seed varieties for space farming.

• Cyanobacteria: Observing growth for use in life support systems; cyanobacteria can photosynthesize.

• Space Microalgae: Comparing genetic and metabolic activity in space vs Earth; potential as food, fuel, life support.

• Myogenesis: Studying muscle loss and pathways responsible for skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity.

• Tardigrades: Investigating survival and reproduction to understand resilience mechanisms.

• Others: Studying effects of computer screen use in microgravity and STEM outreach for Indian students.

Significance of Axiom Mission for India

• Gaganyaan Preparation: Provides medical, psychological, and crew-ground coordination insights.

• Space Diplomacy: Strengthens ISRO’s collaborations with NASA, ESA, and private space companies.

• Space Industry Development: Boosts India's space ecosystem, aligns with Bharatiya Antariksh Station plans.

• Inspiration: Motivates Indian youth towards STEM careers through astronaut representation.

Major Challenges for India in Manned Space Missions

• Technological:

  • Life support systems (air, temperature, waste, food).

  • Radiation protection beyond Low Earth Orbit.

  • Thermal protection during atmospheric re-entry (up to 7,000°F).

  • Reliable human-rated launch vehicles with safety and abort systems.

• Logistical:

  • High costs for infrastructure (launchpads, testing, tracking).

  • Rigorous astronaut training (physical, psychological, technical).

  • Addressing psychological issues from long-term space missions.

About International Space Station (ISS)

• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (370–460 km altitude).

• Partners: NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada), Roscosmos (Russia).

• Speed: ~28,000 km/h, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.

• Function: Largest artificial space laboratory orbiting since 1998, operational until at least 2030.

About Gaganyaan Programme

• India’s first human spaceflight mission (approved in 2018).

• Goal: Send 3 crew members to 400 km orbit for 3 days and return safely.

• Launch Vehicle: LVM-3 (GSLV Mk-III) with 3 stages: solid boosters, liquid-fuelled second stage, indigenous cryogenic third stage.

• Orbital Module: Crew Module and Service Module.

• Extended Scope: Includes building the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

• India’s planned space station for scientific research in 400–450 km orbit.

• Will consist of 5 modules.

• First module (Base Module) targeted for launch in 2028; operational by 2035.

Conclusion

The Axiom-4 Mission strengthens India’s technological capabilities and human capital ahead of the Gaganyaan mission and supports the long-term vision of establishing a national space station (BAS), thus positioning India prominently in human spaceflight.