North India Statesman
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A new chapter is going to be added to India’s space program! Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is moving towards creating history, as he is going to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on 10 June on the ‘Axiom-4’ mission of the private company Axiom Space. This mission will make him the first Indian private astronaut for India in many ways, going into space through a private company.
Who is the group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an experienced pilot of the Indian Air Force, also known as one of the four astronauts selected for the future ISRO’s first human mission ‘Gaganyaan’. At the moment, he is undergoing rigorous training with Axiom Space in the US, so that Axiom-4 can be fully prepared for the mission. He is also a qualified test pilot, who has served as the Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
What is AXIOM-4 mission and what is its importance?
‘Axiom-4’ is the fourth completely private mission of Axiom Space. The main objective of this mission is to do important orbital science and research on ISS. Axiom Space is also the world’s first commercial space station developing a company and aims to regularly organize private space missions. The launch date of June 10 is currently tental (potential) and may change due to some external factors.
What is the connection of Shubhanshu Shukla with Rakesh Sharma?
This space journey by Shubhanshu Shukla reminds many people of India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who traveled to space in 1984 as part of the Soviet Union’s Soviet Union’s Soyuz T-11 mission. Both are officials of the Air Force. Although Rakesh Sharma went to space under a government program, this mission of Shubhanshu Shukla reflects the increasing private sector influence and private participation in India’s space ambitions.
This flight by Shubhanshu Shukla will prove to be an important milestone for India in Space Exploration and commercial space sector. This shows that India is no longer limited to government undertakings, but is ready to touch the new horizon of space in association with the private sector.
