ISRO Partners with Axiom Space for Historic Gaganyaan Mission

ISRO has entered into an agreement with Axiom Space Inc. for its Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been nominated as prime and backup mission pilots. Training begins in August 2024. This mission enhances collaboration between ISRO and NASA.

ISRO announced on Friday that its Human Space Flight Centre has signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc, USA, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

A National Mission Assignment Board has nominated Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the prime and backup mission pilots for this endeavor, respectively. The final approval for the assigned crewmembers' flight to the ISS will be given by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), with training slated to commence in August 2024.

During their mission, the gaganyatris will perform selected scientific and technological experiments and partake in space outreach activities. ISRO believes that the mission will bolster the Indian Human Space Programme and enhance cooperation between ISRO and NASA. This collaboration was first envisioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the USA in June 2023.