What Shubhanshu Shukla’s AX-4 mission to ISS means for India’s space journey

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make Historic Space Journey on Ax-4 Mission (Axiom Space)

Watching an Indian astronaut head for space again brings pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS journey under Axiom-4 marks a shift. This mission connects past achievements to India’s future plans.

From Rakesh Sharma to Real-Time Relevance
Shukla becomes the second Indian in space after Sharma. Sharma’s 1984 mission was symbolic but stood alone. At that time, India lacked the support structure to build on it. Now, India has ISRO with proven abilities and a clear direction.

This mission links directly to India’s Gaganyaan plans. Shukla’s role as Axiom-4’s pilot brings valuable experience. The spacecraft’s course to the ISS is complex and dynamic. Pilots must act fast and make timely decisions in flight. This exposure will prepare India’s astronauts for upcoming missions.

Key Role in Future Human Spaceflight
Gaganyaan aims to send Indians to space soon. But it’s a huge technical challenge for any space agency. Human missions involve safety layers beyond those in robotic flights. Shukla’s training and time aboard Axiom-4 will help reduce these risks, according to the Indian Express.

He’ll also be the first Indian aboard the International Space Station. There, he’ll observe how the station functions day-to-day. This will offer insight useful for India’s own future space station.

ISRO plans to build one after Gaganyaan is complete. His two-week stay on the ISS is expected to inform that vision.

Experiments in Space with Indian Focus
This mission carries several experiments designed by Indian scientists. Many will study muscle behavior in zero gravity. Such studies can’t be done on Earth easily due to gravity’s influence.

Sprouting experiments with moong dal and work on algae are also included. These projects reflect India’s priorities and feed future missions. Shukla’s experience will help shape ISRO’s own human spaceflight program.

Inspiring India’s Space Economy and Youth
Shukla’s spaceflight is part of a broader vision. India hopes to reach the Moon with humans by 2040. This will require a strong space economy and private participation.

The global space market is growing fast, expected to hit $1 trillion soon. India holds just 2% of it today but wants at least 10%.

Young students will watch Shukla’s journey and dream bigger. Unlike in 1984, those dreams now have a path forward. The future of Indian space may begin in a school classroom today.