First Indian Astronaut to Travel to ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He will pilot the Axiom Mission 4, a collaboration between Axiom Space and NASA. This mission aims to inspire future generations in India and promote innovation in space exploration.

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in Pune. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, he achieved the rank of Group Captain in March 2024. Shukla has logged over 2,000 flight hours in various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. His journey to becoming an astronaut began when he was contacted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2019. He underwent extensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.

Axiom Mission 4 Overview

• Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled for launch in Spring 2025.
• The mission will transport four astronauts to the ISS, including Shukla, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, Tibor Kapu, and Peggy Whitson.
• They will travel aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and stay on the ISS for 14 days. During their time there, they will conduct scientific experiments and engage in outreach activities.

Training for the Mission

The astronauts have undergone rigorous training at multiple international space agencies. Their initial training took place at the European Space Agency’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany. Here, they learned about communication systems and emergency procedures. They also conducted research activities in the Columbus module, a European laboratory for microgravity research. Subsequently, they trained at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Tsukuba Space Center, focusing on the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo.

Scientific Objectives

The mission aims to carry out several scientific experiments related to space biology. The Indian Space Research Organisation and the Department of Biotechnology are collaborating on these experiments. They intend to explore the effects of microgravity on biological processes, which could have implications for future human spaceflight and health.

Impact on Future Missions

Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is expected to ignite interest in space exploration among the younger generation in India. It represents step for India’s space programme. The success of Axiom Mission 4 may pave the way for more Indian astronauts to participate in future missions.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the significance of India’s first human spaceflight mission in the context of global space exploration.
2. Critically discuss the role of international collaboration in advancing space technology and research.
3. Examine the training processes for astronauts in different countries and their impact on mission success.
4. Point out the potential benefits of microgravity research for health and medicine on Earth and in space.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the significance of India’s first human spaceflight mission in the context of global space exploration.

1. India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, marks a milestone in the nation’s space capabilities.
2. It positions India as a key player in the global space race, enhancing its technological and scientific stature.
3. The mission is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in India.
4. It encourages international partnerships, as seen in collaborations with organizations like NASA and Axiom Space.
5. Successful execution could lead to future missions, promoting sustained human presence in space.

2. Critically discuss the role of international collaboration in advancing space technology and research.

1. International collaboration facilitates resource sharing, combining expertise from different countries.
2. Joint missions, like Axiom Mission 4, pool funding and technological capabilities for complex projects.
3. Collaborative efforts lead to standardized protocols, enhancing safety and efficiency in space missions.
4. Such partnerships encourage knowledge exchange and innovation in space research and technology.
5. They help address global challenges, such as climate change, through shared scientific research.

3. Examine the training processes for astronauts in different countries and their impact on mission success.

1. Astronaut training varies by country, focusing on technical skills, physical fitness, and psychological resilience.
2. Rigorous training programs, like those at ESA and JAXA, ensure astronauts are well-prepared for diverse scenarios.
3. Hands-on experience in simulators and real spacecraft enhances familiarity and confidence during missions.
4. Cross-training with international agencies promotes adaptability and teamwork among astronauts from different backgrounds.
5. Effective training directly correlates with mission success, reducing risks and improving performance in space.

4. Point out the potential benefits of microgravity research for health and medicine on Earth and in space.

1. Microgravity research can reveal fundamental biological processes that are obscured on Earth.
2. It has potential applications in drug development, improving treatments for various diseases.
3. About physiological changes in microgravity can enhance astronaut health during long-duration missions.
4. Research findings may lead to innovations in medical technology and techniques applicable on Earth.
5. Microgravity studies can also advance our understanding of aging and cellular processes, benefiting overall health science.