Sun Nov 10 04:13:22 UTC 2024: ## India’s First Astronaut to the International Space Station: ‘Mission Akash Ganga’ Takes Flight

**New Delhi, India:** India’s first foray into the International Space Station (ISS) is set to take place between April and June of next year, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space program. The mission, popularly dubbed “Mission Akash Ganga,” will see Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla become the second Indian astronaut to venture into space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 mission.

Pearly Pandya, Director of International Government Business at Axiom Space, confirmed the launch date and highlighted the significance of the mission in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Pandya, an Indian-American born in Ahmedabad, praised India’s burgeoning space capabilities, citing the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission as evidence of the nation’s growing dominance in the sector.

“People are very excited to see India embark on its first mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and it is very exciting for us to have Group Captains Shukla and Nair training with us,” Pandya said, emphasizing the global excitement surrounding the mission.

Shukla, alongside backup astronaut Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, are undergoing rigorous training under Axiom Space. The duo will be trained in all aspects of spaceflight, including NASA protocols, ISS operations, and scientific research in microgravity, with the aim of conducting biomedical research, human health research, technology demonstrations, and STEM outreach during their mission.

The mission will be piloted by Shukla and led by veteran American astronaut Dr. Peggy Annette Whitson, who will serve as commander. Whitson, the most decorated Axiom astronaut, is an inspiration to women in the space sector, according to Pandya. The crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both mission specialists.

The Axiom-4 mission will be conducted using a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule, and training is taking place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The mission is expected to last 10-14 days.

Axiom Space is managing the end-to-end mission, encompassing astronaut training, medical operations, and facilitating scientific experiments. The cost per seat for commercial missions like this is estimated to be in the mid-$60 million range, the amount ISRO is likely to have paid, but further details regarding the cost were not disclosed.

“This mission has the ability to bridge two worlds but the Indian diaspora internationally as well,” said Pandya, acknowledging the global reach of the mission. The mission is expected to be a highlight of India’s space program and further solidify the nation’s place as a global player in space exploration.

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