Axiom-4 mission carrying astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to take off on May 29; to conduct 7 experiments

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission set to carry Indian Air Force Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) will launch on May 29, Axiom announced on Tuesday. Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, joining a multinational crew.

The Group Captain will bring back crucial knowledge from the mission for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission by conducting various experiments in microgravity aboard the ISS, guided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Shukla will lead seven research projects examining the physiological and biological effects of space on humans and plants. Other experiments include examining spaceflight impacts on six crop seed varieties, the physical and cognitive impact of computer screens in microgravity, and the identification of molecular mechanisms of resilience in extreme environments.


Tushar Phadnis, Group Head for Microgravity Platforms and Research, ISRO, said, "These experiments will give us valuable operational experience in conducting microgravity experiments, covering protocols and safety procedures which will help in planning future experiments on Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station."

Phadnis, speaking to the media virtually, added that while currently there is no problem with the space food supply, ISRO wants to explore India-centric food. “For example, we are sprouting green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi), which are believed to have medicinal properties. Sprouts are nutrition-rich and suitable for astronauts,” he said.

The 14-day mission is being launched as a joint effort by ISRO, NASA, and ESA from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Three astronauts from the US, Hungary, and Poland will also conduct important science experiments in space.