BENGALURU, Nov 30: Two Indian astronauts selected for the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully completed the initial phase of their training, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The astronauts, identified as Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, began their training in the United States in August 2024 as part of the NASA-ISRO collaboration.
During this phase, the astronauts completed a range of activities, including orientations at mission-related ground facilities, an overview of mission launch phases, and familiarization with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the ISS. They also underwent SpaceX suit fit checks, sampled selected space food options, and trained for daily operations routines and communication protocols. The training included sessions on space photography and handling emergencies in space, such as medical crises.
The next phase of training will focus on mastering the US Orbital Segment of the ISS and conducting scientific research experiments in microgravity during the mission. The astronauts will also engage in simulations of different mission scenarios aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
In August, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced that an Indian astronaut is expected to travel to the ISS by April 2025 as part of this joint effort. The Ax-4 mission represents a significant milestone for India’s space program, showcasing its growing role in international space exploration and research.
