The AXIOM-4 mission to International Space Station (ISS) launched | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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The AXIOM-4 mission to International Space Station (ISS) launched

Posted 26 Jun 2025

2 min read

The mission is organized by Texas-based startup Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX.

  •  It is NASA’s fourth all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
  • The crew includes members from the USA, India, Poland, and Hungary.
    • Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.
    • Rakesh Sharma was the last Indian to go to space when he travelled to space in 1984 onboard the erstwhile Soviet Union’s Soyuz spacecraft.

About Axiom 4

  • The mission is a collaboration involving Axiom Space (private company), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and European Space Agency (ESA).
  • The crew members will spend 14 days onboard the ISS conducting microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements. 

Significance for India

  • Enhance understanding of biological processes in microgravity and develop strategies for long-duration space missions. 
  • The scientific experiments will drive significant advancements in space science and technology, inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. 
  • Strengthens India's presence in space and promotes the country's dedication to contributing to global scientific progress.

About the International Space Station (ISS)

  • It is a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit (at an altitude of between 370–460 km).
  • Key partners for ISS:European countries (represented by European Space Agency), United States (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Japan (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Canada (Canadian Space Agency) andRussia (Roscosmos)
  • Its first component was launched into orbit in 1998.
    • It will continue to be a working laboratory and outpost in orbit until at least 2030.
  • Tags :
  • International Space Station
  • AXIOM-4
  • Shubhanshu Shukla
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