Axiom-4 trip to the ISS will provide valuable inputs for Gaganyaan mission: ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission which Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of will provide valuable inputs for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

“The Ax-04 mission will provide valuable inputs for ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. It offers hands-on experience in the nuances of international crew integration, medical and psychological preparation, real-time health telemetry, experiment execution, and crew–ground coordination,” ISRO said.

It added that these insights will directly influence mission planning, safety validation, and astronaut readiness for India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission.

“This is one small step in orbit, but a giant leap in India’s pursuit of human spaceflight and scientific discovery,” it added.

ISRO said that preparations are also in progress for abort missions of the Gaganyaan mission and the first uncrewed test flight is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.

It added that the first crewed flight of the Gaganyaan mission is expected by the first quarter of 2027.

The space agency also said that as a tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage, Group Captain Shukla is carrying a selection of the finest of Indian handicrafts to the International Space Station (ISS).

“These symbolic items, designed by students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, reflect the diversity, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty of India’s traditional art forms, carefully curated to represent different regions and materials. These pieces serve as cultural ambassadors in space. Their journey aboard the ISS not only celebrates India’s artistic legacy but also honours the generations of artisans who continue to keep these traditions alive,” the space agency said.