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Axiom-4 Mission Docking: ‘Moment Of Great Pride,’ Say Shubhanshu's Parents As Dragon Aircraft Docks At ISS — Highlights
Axiom-4's Dragon capsule will dock with the ISS 12-24 hours post-launch, using a series of precise engine burns to synchronise orbits. It will hold at waypoints 220m and 20m for stability checks.
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Background
With a successful lift-off behind it, the Axiom-4 mission’s next critical phase is docking the Dragon capsule with the International Space Station (ISS), a high-precision and largely automated process expected to begin 12 to 24 hours post-launch.
The sequence starts with a "phasing burn," using the capsule’s 16 Draco thrusters to adjust its orbit and synchronize with the ISS, which orbits Earth at about 418 km altitude. This is followed by a set of complex burns—boost, close co-elliptic, transfer, and final co-elliptic—that gradually bring the Dragon to a position 2.5 km below the ISS.
From this point, the capsule begins its final approach. A 90-second engine burn reduces the distance between the Dragon and the ISS to within the "close approach" zone. It then advances cautiously to two key hold points: Waypoint 1 at 220 meters and Waypoint 2 at 20 meters from the docking port.
At each hold point, Dragon must prove its stability, demonstrating it can hover precisely for extended periods. If any anomaly is detected, the spacecraft is programmed to automatically retreat without crew intervention.
At just 20 meters, the Crew Hands-Off Point, Dragon aligns perfectly with the ISS. Docking is achieved through a soft capture mechanism, followed by a hard lock. Once secured, the systems are connected, pressure is equalised, and leak checks are performed.
Only after all systems are greenlit will the hatches open and the Axiom-4 crew step aboard, marking the mission’s official arrival at the ISS.
‘Chest Swells With Pride,’ Says Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's Cousin
Axiom Mission 4: "This is an extremely proud moment for us. Today, I can say that my chest swells with pride. The entire family is happy," said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's cousin, Ashish Dixit.
‘Feeling Good,’ Says Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mother
"All of us have come here to see if he has reached the space station. We are feeling very good. Not only us, but the entire country is very proud,” said Asha Shukla.
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