The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) space mission, featuring Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is all set to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) today, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, following nearly a month of weather-related delays. The mission is expected to dock autonomously at the ISS's Harmony module around 7:00 AM EST (4:30 PM IST) on Thursday.
Shukla, affectionately known as “Shux” by his crew, is serving as the mission's pilot. He will play a pivotal role during the docking process, closely monitoring the spacecraft’s trajectory, orbital alignment, and approach parameters as it nears the space station.
The Ax-4 crew is led by Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), along with Mission Specialists Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The mission is scheduled to last 14 days aboard the ISS.
Once aboard the orbiting laboratory, the crew will undertake nearly 60 scientific experiments, with Shubhanshu Shukla conducting seven key investigations related to microgravity research.
NASA confirmed that the mission includes five joint science experiments between NASA and ISRO, along with two STEM-focused in-orbit demonstrations aimed at advancing space technology and education.
The docking of Axiom-4 marks yet another step in strengthening international space partnerships and India’s growing role in human spaceflight programs.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)