Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: X -@AstroPeggy
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has started his journey towards space as part of the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, with a recent visit to SpaceX headquarters marking his first interaction with the Dragon spacecraft.
Shukla, along with his Ax-4 crewmates, underwent suit measurements and pressurization tests at SpaceX HQ, essential for ensuring astronaut safety and comfort during space travel.
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, leading the Ax-4 crew, shared that the crew has completed a comprehensive onboarding process in Houston before visiting SpaceX. She stated that the training for the Ax-4 mission has officially begun.
Credit: NASA
During their visit to SpaceX, the Ax-4 crew, including Shukla, was introduced to the Dragon spacecraft. This spacecraft is designed for crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and is an integral part of the Ax-4 mission.
As part of the Ax-4 mission, Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is expected to spend around 10 days aboard the ISS, where he will conduct various scientific experiments and research activities.
The Axiom Space missions, like Ax-4, represent a new phase in commercial spaceflight, providing opportunities for private citizens and researchers to access the ISS and its microgravity environment.
Ax-4 marks the fourth mission organized by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft continues to be used for these missions while NASA awaits the operational status of Boeing’s Starliner.
As training progresses, Shukla and his fellow crew members will continue to familiarize themselves with the Dragon spacecraft and the complex systems of the ISS in preparation for their mission.