On June 19, Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to embark on a historic journey as India’s second astronaut, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced the launch date for the much-anticipated Axiom Mission 4, which will see Shukla board a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, heading towards the International Space Station (ISS).This mission marks a significant milestone for India,reigniting the nation’s aspirations in space exploration after 41 years.
The mission faced delays due to an oxygen cylinder leak detected in the rocket. However, recent high-level meetings between ISRO, SpaceX, and Axiom Space have resolved the issues, allowing for a new launch schedule to be set. During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments developed in India and participate in joint research initiatives with NASA. This mission not only highlights India’s growing capabilities in space technology but also fosters international collaboration in scientific research, showcasing the potential for future advancements in space exploration.