Axiom-4 Mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is partnering with NASA for a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This collaboration, part of the Axiom-4 mission organised by Axiom Space Inc., will see an Indian astronaut, or "Gaganyatri", take part in an ISS mission for the first time.
"Towards the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider M/s Axiom Space Inc.,USA for its upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS," ISRO said in a statement on August 2.
The groundwork for this mission was laid during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the USA in June 2023. The visit resulted in a joint statement highlighting a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA to push the boundaries of space exploration. Following this, ISRO signed the SFA with Axiom Space, marking India's significant step towards the Axiom-4 mission.
Selection And Training of Gaganyatris
A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime Mission Pilot, and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup Mission Pilot, for this journey to the ISS. The final approval for these assignments will come from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
Commencing in the first week of August 2024, the selected Gaganyatris will undergo extensive training. This preparation will include scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space outreach activities, equipping them with the necessary skills and experience. The mission is expected to bolster India's Human Space Program and foster deeper cooperation between ISRO and NASA.
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What Is Axiom-4 Mission? Launch Details And Objectives
The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled for launch "No Earlier Than October 2024", according to the NASA website, from the space agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission signifies a pivotal move towards transitioning low Earth orbit activities from government-led projects to commercial ventures.
In an August 2023 article, Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters, emphasised the mission’s role in paving the way for future commercial space initiatives.
The mission is anticipated to last up to 14 days, with the crew docked at the ISS. The specific launch date will depend on various logistical considerations, including spacecraft traffic and other planning constraints. NASA and Axiom Space will coordinate the in-orbit activities to ensure seamless operations with ISS crew members and ground controllers.
Axiom Space And SpaceX: Key Players
Axiom Space, a frontrunner in commercial space missions, plays a crucial role in organising this mission.
Michael Suffredini, CEO and president of Axiom Space, had earlier highlighted the importance of these missions in laying the groundwork for the world’s first commercial space station, Axiom Station. Each mission broadens access to space for individuals and nations globally, contributing to the expanding commercial space sector.
For the Axiom-4 mission, according to the 2023 article, Axiom Space has contracted SpaceX as the launch provider. SpaceX will manage the transportation to and from the ISS and provide training for the private astronauts on the Dragon spacecraft's systems, procedures, and emergency protocols.
NASA’s role in the Axiom-4 mission includes a mission-specific order and a reimbursable Space Act Agreement. The mission-specific order covers crew supplies, cargo delivery, storage, and daily in-orbit resources. It also includes up to seven contingency days aboard the ISS. NASA stands to benefit from the mission through the return of scientific samples and the use of the private astronaut mission commander’s time for NASA tasks.
Boost For India's Space Program
The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant milestone in India's space journey, sending a Gaganyaan astronaut to the ISS for the first time. This collaborative endeavour between ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX not only strengthens international space partnerships but also propels India’s Human Space Program into a new era of exploration and discovery. The insights gained from this mission will undoubtedly shape the future of human spaceflight and the broader commercial space industry.
India is preparing for its own crewed mission to the space. Spearheaded by ISRO, the Gaganyaan mission aims to send three Indian astronauts into space, marking India's first human spaceflight endeavour. Approved in 2018 with a projected cost of Rs 10,000 crore, Gaganyaan signifies India's entry into an elite group of countries capable of independent human spaceflight.
The mission involves launching a crewed spacecraft into a low Earth orbit of 400 km for three days, and bring them to Earth with a landing in Indian sea waters.
The spacecraft will be launched by ISRO's GSLV Mk III rocket, India's most powerful launch vehicle. Rigorous training for the astronauts, including simulations, underwater exercises, and zero-gravity exposure, is being conducted in collaboration with international partners.