Why in News: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, only the second Indian in space, returned on 15th July 2025 after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Context
He was part of the Axiom-4 mission, along with astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary.
This mission signifies India’s growing capabilities in space science and human spaceflight
Axiom-4 Mission Overview
- Launched on 25th June 2025 via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- Private mission operated by NASA and Axiom Space—marks India’s growing global presence in private space missions.
Crew Composition:
- Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA)
- Pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
- Mission Specialists: From Poland and Hungary
- The mission marks the return of Poland and Hungary to human spaceflight.
Launch Details:
Provider: SpaceX
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (LC-39A)
Docking: International Space Station, ~16 hours post-launch
Objective:
- The mission focused on scientific experiments and international cooperation in space.
Key Experiments and Achievements
1. Microalgae Research
- Studied space microalgae for food, oxygen, and biofuel production.
- Critical for long-duration space missions and life-support systems.
2. Cyanobacteria Centrifugation
- Compared two strains to analyse microgravity’s effect on their growth and biochemical activity.
- Important for carbon-nitrogen recycling and potential use as space superfoods.
3. Myogenesis Study
- Analysed muscle cell behavior in space.
- Relevance: Countering muscle-wasting diseases, and human adaptation to Moon/Mars environments.
4. Sprouting of Methi & Moong Seeds
- Observed germination in space and subjected samples to –80°C.
- Multi-generational study to assess genetic and nutritional changes—step toward space agriculture.
5. Astronaut Health & Safety
- Radiation exposure with Rad Nano Dosimeter, mental/cardiac health monitoring.
- Used neuromuscular electrical stimulation to explore muscle retention techniques.
6. Muscle Atrophy Research
- Conducted in the Life Sciences Glovebox.
- Also worked on irrigation of crop seeds in space for agro-sustainability.
7. Tardigrade (Water Bears) Experiment
- Studied Indian strain of these highly resilient animals.
- Aim: Identify genes responsible for extreme survival, useful for astrobiology and biotechnology.
8. Voyager Display Study
- Human-electronic interface analysis in microgravity.
- Measured stress and fatigue levels while using screens in space. Designed by IISc Bengaluru.
9. Seed Resilience Trials
- Tested various seeds (rice, tomato, brinjal, etc.) for microgravity impact.
- Goal: Develop climate-resilient varieties for Earth and future space farming.
Importance for India
1. India’s Global Re-entry:
- Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation marks India’s return to human spaceflight after decades, strengthening space diplomacy.
2. Scientific Relevance for Gaganyaan
Experiments aboard ISS directly support India’s Gaganyaan goals:
- Human Physiology: Studies on muscle cell behavior (myogenesis) for astronaut health during long missions.
- Mental Health: Evaluates stress, screen fatigue in microgravity to refine onboard systems.
- Life Support Research: Experiments on microalgae and cyanobacteria to improve oxygen, food, and waste recycling systems.
3. Role of the ISS
- ISS offers a unique research platform not replicable on Earth.
- India gains critical operational experience for future space missions.
- As ISS nears retirement (~2030), commercial platforms like Axiom Station will fill the gap.
4. Contribution to Gaganyaan Mission: Shukla’s mission offers practical exposure-
- Spacecraft protocols and diagnostics
- Pre-launch health procedures
- Emergency protocols in microgravity
- Enhances mission readiness for India’s planned 3-day crewed mission in Low Earth Orbit (~400 km altitude).
5. Long-Term Vision
- India plans to build Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035; first module by 2028.
- Aims for crewed lunar mission by 2040.
- Shukla’s mission forms the foundation for this roadmap.
6. Economic & Technological Boost
- Gaganyaan has engaged 500+ MSMEs and startups.
- Catalyzing growth in life-support tech, AI, and space materials.
- Target: Grow India’s space economy to $44 billion and capture 8% of global share by 2033.
7. Diplomatic and Global Standing
- Boosts India’s position in the global space community.
- Enhances soft power and opens avenues for cooperation.
Ongoing partnerships:
- Russia (astronaut training)
- France (life support systems)
- Australia (crew recovery).
Conclusion:
The Axiom 4 mission marks a pivotal milestone in India’s space journey, showcasing its ability to blend indigenous progress with global collaboration.
Upsc Relevance:
GS Paper 2 – International Relations:
- Highlights strategic space diplomacy and India’s growing collaboration with private and foreign space agencies.
- Showcases soft power and global standing through participation in cutting-edge space missions.
GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology:
- Demonstrates India’s engagement in human spaceflight and commercial space sector evolution.
- Relevant for topics like space technology, private sector participation in space, and international cooperation in science.
Practice Mains Question
With increasing commercialisation and international collaboration in space missions, discuss how India can leverage such opportunities to strengthen its human spaceflight capabilities and strategic space interests.