Nelson’s commendation highlights the growing partnership between the US and India in space exploration.
In a statement on social media platform X, Nelson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Congratulations, @ISRO.We look forward to welcoming the first ISRO astronaut to the International Space Station! This is a monumental step forward for US-India partnership in space.”
ISRO and Axiom space’s agreement
ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre has formalized a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc. for the Axiom-4 mission, marking ISRO’s first participation in a manned spaceflight to the ISS. The National Mission Assignment Board has designated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime astronaut and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup astronaut for this mission.
According to an official release, “The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024.”
The Axiom-4 mission, scheduled for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket, will feature astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the United States, alongside Shukla.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla
Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Shubhanshu Shukla is an accomplished fighter pilot and test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft including the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, Shukla is also a Fighter Combat Leader.
This mission marks a historic moment as Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to space in 40 years. The only Indian to have traveled to space previously was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who participated in an Indo-Soviet mission in 1984.
The announcement of Shukla’s selection follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment during a US visit over a year ago to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS. This mission not only represents a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey but also underscores the strengthening collaboration between the US and India in the realm of space exploration.