Category: Space warfare

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669: INDIA’S PERSISTENT EYES IN THE SKY: STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIP PLATFORMS

 

My article was published on “The EurasianTimes” website

on 05 May 25.

 

 

On May 3, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the maiden flight trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, the lighter-than-air platform reached an altitude of 17 km, carrying an instrumental payload during a 62-minute flight. The test validated critical systems, including envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms, with sensor data collected to refine high-fidelity simulation models for future missions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat hailed the achievement, emphasising its potential to enhance India’s earth observation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This positions India among a select few nations with indigenous stratospheric airship technology. The successful trial, conducted amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, underscores DRDO’s focus on advancing high-altitude, long-endurance platforms to bolster national security and surveillance, marking a pivotal step toward operationalising these pseudo-satellite systems.

 

Stratospheric Airships

In an era where connectivity, surveillance, and environmental monitoring are paramount, the innovative stratospheric airship platforms, high-altitude, lighter-than-air vehicles operating at 20–30 km, offer a transformative solution. These unmanned, long-endurance systems, often called High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), combine satellites’ endurance with terrestrial systems’ flexibility. Positioned above commercial air traffic and weather systems, they promise to deliver telecommunications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and scientific research at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellites.

Technology. Stratospheric airships are aerostatic vehicles that rely on helium-filled envelopes for buoyancy, allowing them to float in the low-density air of the stratosphere. Unlike fixed-wing HAPS or balloons, airships use propulsion systems, typically electric motors powered by solar panels or hydrogen-based regenerative fuel cells (RFCs), to maintain station-keeping or navigate over specific regions. Their design incorporates lightweight, UV-resistant materials to withstand harsh stratospheric conditions, including temperatures as low as -60°C, intense ultraviolet radiation, and ozone corrosion.

Components. The primary technical challenges include developing lightweight materials, optimising energy efficiency, ensuring thermal management, and achieving reliable control in a near-vacuum environment. These hurdles have historically delayed operational deployment, but recent advancements are closing the gap. Key technological components include:-

    • Envelope and Materials. The helium-filled envelope, often made of advanced composites like polyethene or Mylar, must balance strength, weight, and durability. Innovations in nanotechnology and multi-layered fabrics enhance resistance to environmental degradation.
    •  Power Systems. Solar panels and energy storage (batteries or RFCs) enable continuous operation. RFCs, which generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, are particularly promising for long-endurance missions, as demonstrated in Japan’s Stratospheric Platform (SPF) program.
    • Payload. Airships carry modular payloads (20–1,500 kg) tailored to specific missions, such as phased-array antennas for 4G/5G connectivity, high-resolution cameras for ISR, or sensors for environmental monitoring.
    • Control Systems. Autonomous navigation and station-keeping require sophisticated algorithms to counter stratospheric winds, which are milder than jet streams but still challenging. Machine learning and real-time data processing are increasingly integrated for precision.

 

Applications

Stratospheric airships are versatile platforms with applications across civilian, commercial, and military domains. These applications position stratospheric airships as a cost-effective alternative to satellites, with the added benefit of reusability and rapid deployment.

Telecommunications. Airships can provide broadband connectivity to remote or underserved regions, acting as “pseudo-satellites.” For instance, Mira Aerospace’s ApusDuo HAPS delivered 5G connectivity in Rwanda in 2023, demonstrating the potential to bridge the digital divide. Unlike satellites, airships can be repositioned or serviced, offering flexibility for dynamic network demands.

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR). Their ability to loiter over specific areas for extended periods makes airships ideal for ISR.

Environmental Monitoring. Airships with sensors can monitor greenhouse gases, climate patterns, or natural disasters. Sceye Inc., a New Mexico-based company, is developing airships to track environmental changes, supporting global sustainability efforts.

Scientific Research. High-altitude platforms enable ground-breaking scientific research, such as atmospheric studies, astronomy, and other research requiring stable, high-altitude vantage points. NASA’s proposed Centennial Challenge aims to incentivise airship innovations for scientific missions, inspiring a new era of discovery.

Military Applications. Beyond ISR, airships could support GPS jamming, missile defence, wartime communications, electronic warfare and the potential for stealth detection.

 

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages. Stratospheric airships provide compelling advantages over traditional platforms like satellites. Their cost-effectiveness is a key benefit, with development, launch, and maintenance costs in the millions, far below the billions required for satellites. This affordability democratises access to high-altitude capabilities. Flexibility is another strength; unlike geostationary satellites, airships can be repositioned, serviced, or upgraded to meet evolving mission needs, enabling dynamic applications such as telecommunications or surveillance. Their long endurance—capable of missions lasting months or even years—reduces the need for frequent replacements, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, accessibility is improved by operating below orbital altitudes, avoiding the complexities of space debris and stringent international space regulations. These attributes make stratospheric airships an attractive alternative for tasks like broadband delivery, environmental monitoring, and intelligence gathering, offering a versatile, cost-efficient bridge between terrestrial and space-based systems.

Limitations. Stratospheric airship platforms face significant limitations that hinder their widespread adoption. Technical complexity remains a primary challenge, as lightweight materials, efficient energy storage, and precise control systems require further development to ensure reliability in the harsh stratospheric environment. Limited operational systems exacerbate this issue, with most airships still in the prototype phase and scarce real-world flight data to validate performance. Environmental challenges also pose risks, as stratospheric conditions—extreme cold, UV radiation, and ozone exposure—demand robust designs to prevent envelope degradation or thermal failures. Additionally, regulatory hurdles complicate deployment, as coordinating airspace usage and navigating international regulations, particularly for cross-border missions, remains a barrier. These challenges necessitate substantial investment in research, testing, and regulatory frameworks to transition stratospheric airships from experimental to operational systems, unlocking their potential for telecommunications, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.

 

Development status

The concept of stratospheric airships, pioneered in the 1960s with Raven Aerostar’s High Platform II reaching 70,000 ft in 1969, gained traction in the 1990s as materials and solar technology advanced. Despite high costs and complexity, recent global efforts signal a resurgence, driven by improved designs and commercial potential, as seen in Google’s Loon (2013–2021).

United States. The U.S. pursued stratospheric airships through Lockheed Martin’s High Altitude Airship (HAA) and DARPA’s ISIS for ISR, but both were cancelled due to cost overruns. Aerostar’s HiSentinel reached 74,000 ft in 2005, proving viability. Sceye Inc. now leads the scaling of solar-powered airships in New Mexico for broadband and environmental monitoring, with expansion planned for 2025.

 Japan. Japan’s JAXA launched the Stratospheric Platform (SPF) in the 1990s, focusing on solar-powered airships with regenerative fuel cells. Prototypes were tested, but the program shifted focus by 2009. Japan’s early work on energy systems remains influential for long-endurance HAPS development.

South Korea and Europe. South Korea explored HAPS in the 2000s with limited outcomes. In Europe, Thales Alenia Space’s Stratobus targets ISR and telecom, aiming for five-year missions with a 2023 prototype. The TAO Group’s SkyDragon introduces a segmented design for stability, enhancing European innovation.

 China. China’s Yuanmeng airship, tested in 2015, focuses on military surveillance and stealth detection. Ongoing programs by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China emphasise long-endurance airships for communication and reconnaissance.

 

Future Prospects

The future of stratospheric airships is bright, driven by technological advancements. Innovations in nanotechnology and composite fabrics will produce lighter, more durable envelopes, extending mission durations. Next-generation regenerative fuel cells (RFCs) and high-efficiency solar cells will ensure reliable power, critical for continuous operation in the stratosphere. Enhanced by machine learning and real-time wind modelling, autonomous control systems will improve station-keeping precision, minimising energy use. These developments will enable airships to loiter for months or years, offering cost-effective alternatives to satellites. By addressing technical challenges, stratospheric airships are poised to revolutionise telecommunications, surveillance, and environmental monitoring by 2030.

Commercialisation and global collaboration are accelerating progress. Companies like Sceye and Stratospheric Platforms are securing investments, reflecting market confidence in high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) for connectivity and monitoring. NASA’s proposed Centennial Challenge could spur international innovation, while public-private partnerships may streamline development. However, scaling production, reducing costs, and validating reliability through extended flight tests remain critical hurdles. If overcome, stratospheric airships could become mainstream solutions, particularly in regions lacking satellite or terrestrial infrastructure, transforming global access to data and security.

 

Conclusion

Stratospheric airship platforms represent a frontier in high-altitude technology, blending satellites’ endurance with terrestrial systems’ adaptability. From providing broadband in remote areas to enhancing military surveillance and monitoring climate change, their applications are vast and transformative. While historical efforts faced setbacks, recent advancements, such as India’s 2025 test, Sceye’s commercial push, and Thales’ Stratobus, signal a new era of viability. As materials, energy systems, and controls evolve, stratospheric airships are poised to redefine global connectivity, security, and scientific exploration, soaring to new heights in the decades ahead.

 

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References and credits

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Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

 

References:-

  1. Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment. (2025, May 4). DRDO conducts maiden flight trial of stratospheric airship platform. Press Release, Defence Research and Development Organisation. https://www.drdo.gov.in/press-release/drdo-conducts-maiden-flight-trial-stratospheric-airship-platform
  1. Boucher, R. J. (1985). History of solar-powered airships: From High Platform II to modern HAPS. Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 1(2), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0893-1321(1985)1:2(45)
  1. Chen, L., & Zhang, H. (2016). Development of the Yuanmeng stratospheric airship for military applications. Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 29(4), 912–920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2016.06.015
  1. Colozza, A., & Dolce, J. L. (2005). High-altitude airship platform systems: Technical challenges and opportunities. NASA Technical Report, NASA/TM-2005-213427. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050182976
  1. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. (2009). Stratospheric Platform (SPF) program: Final report on solar-powered airship prototypes. JAXA Technical Report, JAXA-RR-09-012. https://www.jaxa.jp/publications/
  1. Mira Aerospace. (2023, August 15). ApusDuo HAPS delivers 5G connectivity in Rwanda. Aerospace Technology News. https://www.aerospacetechnews.com/mira-aerospace-apusduo-5g-rwanda-2023
  1. Sceye Inc. (2024, December 10). Sceye advances stratospheric airship production for broadband and environmental monitoring. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/sceye-stratospheric-airship-expansion-2025
  1. Thales Alenia Space. (2023, June 20). Stratobus: Progress toward 2023 prototype for ISR and telecommunications. Thales Group Press Release. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/stratobus-2023-prototype-update
  1. Tozer, T. C., & Grace, D. (2001). High-altitude platforms for wireless communications. Electronics & Communication Engineering Journal, 13(3), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1049/ecej:20010303
  1. Yang, Y., & Wu, J. (2018). Advancements in regenerative fuel cells for stratospheric airships. Energy Conversion and Management, 175, 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.08.072
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653:INDIAN SPACE PROGRAM’S HISTORIC LEAP: GROUP CAPTAIN SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA SET TO EMBARK ON A LANDMARK JOURNEY TO THE SPACE STATION

 

My Article published on The EuraisianTimes website on 19 Apr 25.

 

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launching no earlier than May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is his backup. Shukla, a test pilot and Gaganyaan mission astronaut-designate, will serve as the mission pilot for the 14–21-day mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, microgravity screen time effects, and bio-farming, supporting ISRO’s Gaganyaan research. He will also promote Indian culture by carrying artefacts and practising yoga on the ISS. The Ax-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, includes 60 experiments from 31 countries. This historic mission, India’s first astronaut trip to the ISS and the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soyuz mission, highlights India’s rising prominence in global space exploration.

Established in 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transformed India into a global space powerhouse. From humble beginnings with sounding rockets to executing complex interplanetary missions, ISRO’s journey reflects a blend of scientific excellence, frugal engineering, and ambitious vision.

​

The Indian Space Program: A Journey of Innovation and Ambition

Origins and Early Development. India’s space program began under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who recognised space technology’s potential to address national challenges like communication, education, and resource management. The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), formed in 1962, laid the groundwork for ISRO. The first significant milestone was the launch of the Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba in 1963, marking India’s entry into space research. ISRO’s early focus was on developing indigenous satellite and launch vehicle technologies. The launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, in 1975 aboard a Soviet rocket, was a pivotal moment. By 1980, ISRO achieved a breakthrough with successfully launching the Rohini satellite using the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), making India the sixth nation capable of independently launching satellites.

Building Capabilities. In the 1980s, ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a versatile rocket that became the backbone of India’s space program. The PSLV’s first successful launch in 1994 enabled India to place satellites in polar and geosynchronous orbits, supporting applications like remote sensing and communication. The INSAT series, starting with INSAT-1A in 1982, revolutionised telecommunications, television broadcasting, and weather forecasting, bridging India’s rural-urban divide.  In the 1990s, ISRO expanded its Earth observation capabilities with the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series. These satellites provided critical agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning data. The program’s emphasis on self-reliance led to developing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), designed to carry heavier payloads into geostationary orbits. Despite initial setbacks, the GSLV’s success in the 2000s bolstered India’s space ambitions.

Breakthroughs in the 21st Century. The 21st century marked a turning point for ISRO, with missions that showcased its technological prowess and global competitiveness. The Chandrayaan-1 mission, launched in 2008, was India’s first lunar probe. It made headlines with the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, a finding confirmed by its Moon Impact Probe. This mission, costing just $80 million, exemplified ISRO’s cost-effective approach, earning global acclaim. In 2013, ISRO achieved another milestone with the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first globally to succeed on its maiden attempt. Mangalyaan, developed at a modest $74 million, demonstrated ISRO’s ability to deliver high-impact science on a lean budget. The mission’s longevity, with the orbiter still operational in 2025, underscores ISRO’s engineering excellence. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 mission 2019 aimed to soft-land a rover on the Moon’s South Pole. Although the Vikram lander crashed, the orbiter continues to provide valuable lunar data. The mission showcased India’s growing ambition to tackle complex challenges. In 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic soft landing near the lunar South Pole, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to explore this region. The Pragyan rover’s findings on lunar soil composition have added to global lunar science.

 

Societal Impact and Applications

ISRO’s space program extends beyond scientific exploration, delivering tangible benefits to Indian society. The INSAT and GSAT series have enabled tele-education and telemedicine, reaching remote areas with limited infrastructure. The Navic navigation system, operational since 2018, provides precise positioning services, enhancing transportation, agriculture, and defence sectors.

ISRO’s remote sensing satellites support disaster management by monitoring cyclones, floods, and droughts. The Cartosat and Resourcesat series aid in urban planning, water resource management, and crop forecasting, contributing to food security. ISRO’s data-sharing initiatives with global agencies also strengthen international cooperation in climate monitoring and disaster response.

The space program has spurred economic growth by fostering a domestic space industry. Companies like Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm, and private startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are expanding India’s space ecosystem. ISRO’s technology transfers have enabled healthcare and renewable energy innovations, amplifying its socioeconomic impact.

 

Challenges

Despite its Successes, ISRO faces challenges. Limited funding, with a 2024-25 budget of approximately $1.6 billion, constrains its ability to scale ambitious projects compared to NASA ($25 billion) or China’s space program. Human spaceflight, a key frontier, has progressed slowly. The Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit, faced delays due to technical complexities and the COVID-19 pandemic but is now targeted for 2026.

ISRO’s reliance on government funding limits its agility in a rapidly commercialising global space sector. While private sector participation grows, regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic processes hinder faster integration. Critics also point to occasional mission failures, like the GSLV’s early setbacks or Chandrayaan-2’s partial success, as areas needing improvement. However, ISRO’s ability to learn from failures and deliver subsequent successes reflects its resilience.

 

Future Prospects

ISRO’s roadmap is ambitious, with plans to solidify India’s position in global space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission will mark India’s entry into human spaceflight, with four astronauts training in collaboration with international partners. The Aditya-L1 solar observatory, launched in 2023, is studying the Sun’s corona, contributing to space weather forecasting. Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2028, aims to retrieve lunar samples, while a Venus orbiter mission is under development.

ISRO is also advancing its launch capabilities. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) targets the growing demand for small satellite launches, while the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) will support heavier payloads, including space station modules. ISRO’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 aligns with global trends in space infrastructure.

International collaboration is a priority, with ISRO partnering with NASA, ESA, and JAXA on missions like NISAR, a joint Earth-observation satellite. ISRO’s cost-effective model positions it as a preferred partner for emerging space nations and commercial entities. To stay competitive, the organisation also explores reusable launch vehicles and space robotics.

 

Conclusion

The Indian space program, driven by ISRO’s ingenuity and vision, has evolved from a nascent initiative to a global partner in space exploration. Its achievements, from lunar landings to interplanetary missions, reflect a commitment to scientific discovery and societal progress. While challenges like funding and commercialisation persist, ISRO’s track record of overcoming obstacles bodes well for its future.

As India aims for human spaceflight, a space station, and deeper planetary exploration, ISRO’s frugal yet impactful approach will continue to inspire. The program advances India’s technological capabilities and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global space exploration, proving that ambition and innovation can transcend resource constraints.

 

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Link to the article on the website:-

From Nike-Apache To Space Station – Indian Astronaut’s Landmark ISS Visit In May-End Another Big Feat For ISRO

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

 

References:-

  1. Times Now. (2025, April 18). Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Indian Astronaut-designate Group Captain to Fly to International Space Station In May.
  1. ET Now. (2025, April 18). This is a major step for India’s space journey! Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to space next month, the Modi government confirmed.
  1. NDTV. (2025, April 18). Indian Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla To Fly To Space Station in May.
  1. The Times of India. (2025, April 18). An international space mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly in May.
  1. India Today. (2025, April 11). India’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how screen time affects the human brain in space.
  1. Republic World. (2025, April 2). IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut Aboard SpaceX Dragon.
  1. Chandrayaan Mission Pages: Detailed mission objectives, payloads, and outcomes for Chandrayaan-1, -2, and -3. Accessible via ISRO’s mission-specific portals: Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3.
  1. Mishra, S. K. (2020): Indian Space Program: Evolution, Achievements, and Challenges. Journal of Space Exploration, 9(2), 45-56. A peer-reviewed article analysing ISRO’s growth and cost-effective strategies.
  1. Narayanan, N. (2017): The Making of ISRO: Vikram Sarabhai’s Vision. HarperCollins India. A comprehensive book on the origins of ISRO and Sarabhai’s contributions.
  1. The Hindu (August 24, 2023): “India Becomes First Nation to Land Near Lunar South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.” News article covering the historic Chandrayaan-3 landing.
  1. Lele, A. (2014): Mission Mars: India’s Quest for the Red Planet. Springer. A detailed account of the Mars Orbiter Mission’s development and significance.
  1. SpaceNews (March 15, 2025): “India Approves Chandrayaan-5 and LUPEX Mission with JAXA.” Reports on recent mission approvals and international collaborations.
  1. ISRO Annual Report 2024-25: Outlines budget, ongoing projects, and commercial activities of Antrix Corporation. Available at: ISRO Annual Reports.
  1. Bagla, P., & Menon, V. (2019): Reach for the Stars: The Evolution of India’s Space Programme. Bloomsbury India. A book detailing ISRO’s societal impacts and technological milestones.
  1. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Mission: Information on ISRO’s collaboration with NASA. Available at: nisar.jpl.nasa.gov.
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652: INDIAN ASTRONAUT-DESIGNATE SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA TO FLY TO SPACE STATION IN MAY

 

​Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He will embark on this journey as part of Axiom Space’s Axe-4 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a Spacex Crew Dragon spacecraft.​ Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is designated as Shukla’s backup.

 

 

This marks India’s second astronaut in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. Shukla, a decorated test pilot and astronaut-designate for India’s Gaganyaan mission, will be the mission pilot aboard a Spacex Dragon spacecraft, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The 14-day mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

 

Mission Overview

Mission Name: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)

Launch Date: No earlier than May 29, 2025

Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5

Spacecraft: Crew Dragon

Duration: Approximately 14–21 days

Destination: International Space Station (ISS)

 

 

Crew Members:

Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA)

Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India)

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Mission Specialist, Poland)

Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary)​

 

Scientific Endeavours. Shukla will conduct around seven scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, screen time effects in microgravity (Voyager Displays), and bio-farming, contributing to ISRO’s research for future crewed missions like Gaganyaan.

Cultural Representation. In addition to scientific work, Shukla plans to promote Indian culture by carrying artefacts and practising yoga aboard the ISS, symbolising India’s rich heritage in space exploration.​

 

 

Significance for India. ​The mission, a partnership between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, underscores India’s growing role in global space exploration. Ax-4 features 60 scientific studies from 31 countries. This mission marks a significant milestone for India, as it will be the first time an Indian astronaut visits the ISS and the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Group Captain Shukla’s participation is a precursor to ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

References:-

  1. Times Now. (2025, April 18). Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Indian Astronaut-designate Group Captain to Fly to International Space Station In May.
  1. ET Now. (2025, April 18). This is a major step for India’s space journey! Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to space next month, the Modi government confirmed.
  1. NDTV. (2025, April 18). Indian Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla To Fly To Space Station in May.
  1. The Times of India. (2025, April 18). An international space mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly in May.
  1. News on Air. (2025, April 18). IAF’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS Next Month on Axiom’s Ax-4 Mission.
  1. India Today. (2025, April 11). India’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how screen time affects the human brain in space.
  1. Gadgets360. (2025, April 7). ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make History with Space Station Mission in May.
  1. ETV Bharat. (2025, April 7). Axiom Mission 4 Set To Launch In May 2025 With India’s Gaganyaan Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
  1. Republic World. (2025, April 2). IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut Aboard SpaceX Dragon.

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