Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has taken the first big step towards his historic space flight as part of the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission. The Indian Air Force officer recently had his first experience inside SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, marking a significant moment in his journey to space.
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who leads the Ax-4 crew, provided an update, saying the four-member team had visited SpaceX headquarters to perform critical suit measurements and pressurization tests, key procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of astronauts during their mission. .
Training officially begins
According to Whitson, training for the Ax-4 mission has officially begun and the crew has completed their onboarding process in Houston. He mentioned that the crew felt “at home” as they prepared for the mission that will take them to the International Space Station (ISS).
As part of their training, Group Captain Shukla and his crewmates visited SpaceX’s state-of-the-art facility to don their spacesuits and undergo pressurization testing. These steps are essential for crew preparation, ensuring astronauts are fully equipped for the challenging environment of space.
First look at the dragon spaceship.
During their visit, the crew also learned about the Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX’s next-generation vehicle that has become essential for cargo and crew missions to the ISS. This spacecraft will transport Shukla and his fellow astronauts to the ISS, where they are expected to spend about 10 days conducting scientific experiments and research in the microgravity environment.
A new era in space flight
Axiom Space’s missions, in partnership with SpaceX and NASA, are part of a new era in commercial spaceflight. They offer opportunities for private citizens, astronauts and researchers to access the ISS, boosting human space exploration.
Ax-4 marks the fourth mission hosted by Axiom Space, and as training continues, Shubanshu Shukla and his crewmates will become even more familiar with the Dragon spacecraft and the complex systems of the ISS.
Shukla’s participation in this mission makes him a key figure in India’s growing presence in space exploration, and his time aboard the ISS will contribute to valuable scientific research that could benefit humanity.
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