The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported on November 29, 2024, that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, selected for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), have successfully completed the first phase of training.
ISRO: Gaganyatris Undergo Training for Axiom-4 Mission
Training Milestones Achieved
The Gaganyatris, designated as:
- Prime Astronaut: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Backup Astronaut: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Key achievements during this phase include:
- Orientation and ground facility tours supporting the mission.
- Overview of mission launch phases and SpaceX suit fit checks.
- Selection of space food options.
- Familiarization with:
- The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and its systems.
- Onboard systems of the ISS.
- Training in:
- Space photography.
- Daily operation routines and communication protocols.
- Emergency management, including medical emergencies.
This training commenced in August 2024 in the United States under the joint collaboration of ISRO and NASA.
Second Stage of Training
ISRO also shared details of the upcoming training objectives:
- Mastering the United States Orbital Segment of the ISS.
- Preparing to conduct scientific experiments in a microgravity environment.
- Extensive training to perform various mission profiles aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule.
Significance of the Ax-4 Mission
The Ax-4 mission is a landmark for ISRO’s collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and strengthening international cooperation in space missions.