The Space Shuttle programme, developed by NASA, introduced the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Operating from 1981 to 2011, the shuttles carried out 135 missions, completing over 21,000 orbits and covering more than 542 million miles. The fleet was used to transport satellites, conduct research, support space station assembly, and enable spacewalks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Evolution of the Space Shuttle Fleet</h2>NASA built five operational orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Each measured 37.2 metres in length, had a wingspan of 23.8 metres, and launch mass ranging between 104 and 109 tonnes. A sixth shuttle, Enterprise, was used only for test flights and did not go into orbit. The Soviet-built Buran orbiter, measuring 36.4 metres long and weighing 105 tonnes, flew a single automated mission in 1988 and remains one of the largest spacecraft constructed outside the United States.&nbsp;Columbia, launched in April 1981, was NASA’s first operational orbiter. It was also the heaviest, weighing 109 tonnes due to early design elements and limited ISS compatibility. It deployed key payloads like the Chandra X-ray Observatory. It was tragically lost in 2003 during re-entry after sustaining wing damage from launch debris. Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was among those lost in the Columbia disaster.&nbsp;Challenger entered service in 1983 and conducted several pioneering missions, including the deployment of the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. It also hosted the first spacewalk by a US woman. On January 28, 1986, Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, following a booster failure. All seven crew members were lost.&nbsp;Discovery, arriving in 1983, became NASA’s most flown orbiter with 39 missions. It deployed the Hubble Space Telescope and played a vital role in ISS construction. Lighter than Columbia, Discovery incorporated improved thermal protection and structure refinements. It retired in 2011 after completing the final shuttle flight to the ISS.&nbsp;Atlantis, which joined the fleet in 1985, completed 33 missions and was instrumental in both ISS assembly and the Shuttle-Mir programme, becoming the first shuttle to dock with a Russian space station. Its construction was completed faster and with fewer resources than Columbia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Endeavour, commissioned in 1991 to replace Challenger, carried out 25 missions. Its notable flights included satellite repairs and spacewalks, including a record-setting eight-hour EVA. It also introduced new technical features, such as the use of a drag chute on landing.&nbsp;The Buran orbiter, developed by the Soviet Union, was similar in design and size to the American shuttle. It completed its only mission without a crew in 1988, operating entirely on automated systems. Though the programme was cancelled, Buran demonstrated comparable capabilities in terms of payload and flight systems, adding to the global legacy of reusable spacecraft.&nbsp;NASA's Space Shuttle programme officially ended in 2011, after 30 years of service. The final mission, STS-135, was flown by Atlantis and concluded on 21 July 2011. Since then, the shuttle fleet—Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour—has been retired. &nbsp;

NASA's Space Shuttle programme officially ended in 2011, after 30 years of service. The final mission, STS-135, was flown by Atlantis and concluded on 21 July 2011. 

The Space Shuttle programme, developed by NASA, introduced the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Operating from 1981 to 2011, the shuttles carried out 135 missions, completing over 21,000 orbits and covering more than 542 million miles. The fleet was used to transport satellites, conduct research, support space station assembly, and enable spacewalks. Evolution of the Space Shuttle Fleet NASA built five operational orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Each measured 37.2 metres in length, had a wingspan of 23.8 metres, and launch mass ranging between 104 and 109 tonnes. A sixth shuttle, Enterprise, was used only for test flights and did not go into orbit. The Soviet-built Buran orbiter, measuring 36.4 metres long and weighing 105 tonnes, flew a single automated mission in 1988 and remains one of the largest spacecraft constructed outside the United States. Columbia, launched in April 1981, was NASA’s first operational orbiter. It was also the heaviest, weighing 109 tonnes due to early design elements and limited ISS compatibility. It deployed key payloads like the Chandra X-ray Observatory. It was tragically lost in 2003 during re-entry after sustaining wing damage from launch debris. Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was among those lost in the Columbia disaster. Challenger entered service in 1983 and conducted several pioneering missions, including the deployment of the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. It also hosted the first spacewalk by a US woman. On January 28, 1986, Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, following a booster failure. All seven crew members were lost. Discovery, arriving in 1983, became NASA’s most flown orbiter with 39 missions. It deployed the Hubble Space Telescope and played a vital role in ISS construction. Lighter than Columbia, Discovery incorporated improved thermal protection and structure refinements. It retired in 2011 after completing the final shuttle flight to the ISS. Atlantis, which joined the fleet in 1985, completed 33 missions and was instrumental in both ISS assembly and the Shuttle-Mir programme, becoming the first shuttle to dock with a Russian space station. Its construction was completed faster and with fewer resources than Columbia. Endeavour, commissioned in 1991 to replace Challenger, carried out 25 missions. Its notable flights included satellite repairs and spacewalks, including a record-setting eight-hour EVA. It also introduced new technical features, such as the use of a drag chute on landing. The Buran orbiter, developed by the Soviet Union, was similar in design and size to the American shuttle. It completed its only mission without a crew in 1988, operating entirely on automated systems. Though the programme was cancelled, Buran demonstrated comparable capabilities in terms of payload and flight systems, adding to the global legacy of reusable spacecraft. NASA's Space Shuttle programme officially ended in 2011, after 30 years of service. The final mission, STS-135, was flown by Atlantis and concluded on 21 July 2011. Since then, the shuttle fleet—Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour—has been retired.

NASA's Space Shuttle programme officially ended in 2011, after 30 years of service. The final mission, STS-135, was flown by Atlantis and concluded on 21 July 2011.&nbsp;

From Columbia to Discovery: The five largest NASA space shuttles in history

A team of researchers led by planetary geologist Erica Luzzi from the University of Mississippi has identified a promising location on Mars that could support future human habitation. The site, located in Amazonis Planitia, a broad volcanic plain in the planet’s mid-latitudes, may contain shallow subsurface ice, a critical resource for sustaining life.&nbsp;Using high-resolution imagery from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Luzzi’s team observed surface patterns typically associated with ground ice on Earth. Features such as bright-rimmed craters, polygonal cracks, and subtle terrain shifts indicate the likely presence of water ice less than a metre below the surface. This shallow depth could make it accessible for robotic or human-led drilling without requiring heavy infrastructure.&nbsp;“If we’re going to send humans to Mars, you need H₂O—not just for drinking, but for propellant and all manner of applications,” Dr Luzzi explained.<h2>Balancing sunlight and subsurface ice</h2>Mars' polar regions are known to contain abundant ice, but their extreme cold and limited sunlight make them unsuitable for long-term, solar-powered missions. In contrast, equatorial areas, while warmer and sunnier, tend to have ice buried too deep for easy access. Amazonis Planitia, sitting in Mars' mid-latitudes, strikes a practical balance. “The mid-latitudes offer the perfect compromise – they get enough sunlight for power, but they’re still cold enough to preserve ice near the surface,” said Luzzi.&nbsp;This discovery supports the strategy of in situ resource utilisation (ISRU), which involves using local materials to reduce the need for supplies from Earth. Transporting water from Earth would be costly and inefficient, making ISRU essential for sustainable exploration.<h2>Next steps and scientific potential</h2>While the findings are promising, further exploration is required to confirm the volume and stability of the ice. Future missions may deploy radar instruments and ground drills to measure and sample the subsurface directly. Technologies like NASA’s SHARAD radar and the upcoming Mars Ice Mapper, developed with the European Space Agency, are expected to play a key role.&nbsp;Beyond supporting life, shallow ice on Mars may also help scientists understand the planet’s history and potential for past life. Ice layers could preserve ancient atmospheric gases or organic compounds, offering clues about Mars’ evolution. &nbsp;

Using high-resolution imagery from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Luzzi’s team observed surface patterns typically associated with ground ice on Earth.

A team of researchers led by planetary geologist Erica Luzzi from the University of Mississippi has identified a promising location on Mars that could support future human habitation. The site, located in Amazonis Planitia, a broad volcanic plain in the planet’s mid-latitudes, may contain shallow subsurface ice, a critical resource for sustaining life. Using high-resolution imagery from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Luzzi’s team observed surface patterns typically associated with ground ice on Earth. Features such as bright-rimmed craters, polygonal cracks, and subtle terrain shifts indicate the likely presence of water ice less than a metre below the surface. This shallow depth could make it accessible for robotic or human-led drilling without requiring heavy infrastructure. “If we’re going to send humans to Mars, you need H₂O—not just for drinking, but for propellant and all manner of applications,” Dr Luzzi explained. Balancing sunlight and subsurface ice Mars' polar regions are known to contain abundant ice, but their extreme cold and limited sunlight make them unsuitable for long-term, solar-powered missions. In contrast, equatorial areas, while warmer and sunnier, tend to have ice buried too deep for easy access. Amazonis Planitia, sitting in Mars' mid-latitudes, strikes a practical balance. “The mid-latitudes offer the perfect compromise – they get enough sunlight for power, but they’re still cold enough to preserve ice near the surface,” said Luzzi. This discovery supports the strategy of in situ resource utilisation (ISRU), which involves using local materials to reduce the need for supplies from Earth. Transporting water from Earth would be costly and inefficient, making ISRU essential for sustainable exploration. Next steps and scientific potential While the findings are promising, further exploration is required to confirm the volume and stability of the ice. Future missions may deploy radar instruments and ground drills to measure and sample the subsurface directly. Technologies like NASA’s SHARAD radar and the upcoming Mars Ice Mapper, developed with the European Space Agency, are expected to play a key role. Beyond supporting life, shallow ice on Mars may also help scientists understand the planet’s history and potential for past life. Ice layers could preserve ancient atmospheric gases or organic compounds, offering clues about Mars’ evolution.

Using high-resolution imagery from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Luzzi’s team observed surface patterns typically associated with ground ice on Earth.

Red Planet ready for humans? Scientists locate potential settlement zone on Mars

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey. Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘gajar ka halwa’, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! <a href="https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA">https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1938945641528643735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;When asked about his well-being and how it felt to be in space, Shukla replied: “This journey isn’t just mine, it belongs to the entire nation. As a child, I couldn’t have imagined becoming an astronaut.”&nbsp;The Prime Minister offered heartfelt congratulations, saying, “My voice carries the collective enthusiasm of all Indians. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for raising India’s presence in space."&nbsp;Earlier, pictures of the interaction were shared by the Prime Minister's Office on its official X handle.&nbsp;The post read: “PM @narendramodi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station."&nbsp;During their 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates, mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)—will conduct more than 60 scientific and outreach experiments. These include studies in cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing. Shukla will lead seven of the projects, contributing to what Axiom describes as its most ambitious research agenda yet.&nbsp;The mission also highlights growing international partnerships in space. The Ax-4 mission was made possible through collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), following a commitment by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi to deepen cooperation in human spaceflight. It marks a key step in commercial space engagement and India’s expanding space diplomacy.

Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey. Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘gajar ka halwa’, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.

Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.

'All well up there?': PM Modi speaks to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station

NASA astronauts have cumulatively spent thousands of days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), enabling critical research into the effects of long-duration space travel. Among them, seven have stood out for their exceptional time spent in orbit, shaping our understanding of human endurance and systems vital for deep space exploration. The agency maintains two key metrics: time spent on a single spaceflight and cumulative time across an astronaut’s career. While Frank Rubio holds the record for the longest single mission at 371 days, it is Peggy Whitson who leads overall with a total of 675 days in space.

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>List Of Astronauts:-</h2><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Astronaut</td><td>No. of days</td></tr><tr><td>Peggy Whitson</td><td>675</td></tr><tr><td>Sunita Williams</td><td>608</td></tr><tr><td>Don Pettit</td><td>590</td></tr><tr><td>Jeff Williams</td><td>534</td></tr><tr><td>Mark Vande</td><td>523</td></tr><tr><td>Scott Kelly</td><td>520</td></tr><tr><td>Mike Barratt</td><td>447</td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2>Leading the list: Peggy Whitson to Mark Vande Hei</h2>&nbsp;Peggy A. Whitson tops NASA’s cumulative time-in-space chart with 675 days over multiple missions, including a recent nine-day stint on the Axiom-2 mission in 2023. She is currently commanding the private space mission led by Axiom Space to the ISS. Sunita L. Williams follows with 608 days, having participated in four missions, known especially for her spacewalks and marathon in orbit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don Pettit is third with 590 days, contributing significantly to science and engineering aboard the ISS. Jeff Williams comes next with 534 days over four missions, the last of which was in 2016. Mark Vande Hei logged 523 days in total, 355 of which were from a single long-duration mission between 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;<h2>Completing the top seven: Scott Kelly and Mike Barratt</h2>&nbsp;Scott Kelly, known for his nearly year-long stay on the ISS, accumulated 520 days in total. In 2016, Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko completed a historic 340-day mission aboard the ISS. His mission yielded valuable insights into the physical and mental effects of long-term spaceflight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rounding out the list is Mike Barratt, with 447 days across two missions. Mike went on two missions. Each of these astronauts played a crucial role in the ongoing research into human health, spacecraft systems, and life-support technologies, advancing NASA’s preparations for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.&nbsp;

The Axiom-4 mission was launched on Wednesday with four crew members, includes Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut, who holds the record for highest cumulative days in space.

NASA astronauts have cumulatively spent thousands of days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), enabling critical research into the effects of long-duration space travel. Among them, seven have stood out for their exceptional time spent in orbit, shaping our understanding of human endurance and systems vital for deep space exploration. The agency maintains two key metrics: time spent on a single spaceflight and cumulative time across an astronaut’s career. While Frank Rubio holds the record for the longest single mission at 371 days, it is Peggy Whitson who leads overall with a total of 675 days in space.

The Axiom-4 mission was launched on Wednesday with four crew members, includes Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut, who holds the record for highest cumulative days in space.

Who’s spent the most time in space? NASA’s top 7 astronauts, including Axiom-4’s Peggy Whitson

Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;It is a privilege to get a chance to see the Earth from a vantage point. It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great,&quot; says Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, as the Axiom-4 crew arrives at the International Space Station (ISS) . . . Video: NASA <a href="https://t.co/cOMsufIMAX">pic.twitter.com/cOMsufIMAX</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938238401498779831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;His message followed a successful 28-hour journey aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS’s Harmony module. He was pinned with the official Astronaut No. 634 badge by mission commander Peggy Whitson before delivering his remarks. “Thanks to your love and blessings, I have safely reached the International Space Station,” he said. “It may look easy to stand here and speak, but it’s actually a little difficult. There’s a bit of pressure on the head, a bit of discomfort, but these are small things. In just a few days, we’ll get used to it.”&nbsp;<h2>14-day science mission, ISRO collaboration underway</h2>&nbsp;Shukla is joined by Whitson, Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Sławosz Uznański (Poland) on the Ax-4 mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, ESA, ISRO, and SpaceX. The crew will work alongside the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, conducting over 60 scientific experiments — including seven developed by ISRO. “This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.&nbsp;Expressing national pride, he added, “I’m carrying the tricolour on my shoulder, and I believe you are all with me. So I believe that all of you are as excited as I am. The next 14 days are going to be very exciting. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.” ISRO has reportedly paid $59 million for Shukla’s seat and training, aiming to use insights from this mission to advance India’s human spaceflight programme, including Gaganyaan in 2027, a space station by 2035, and a lunar mission by 2040.&nbsp;“I'm looking forward to the next 14 days, advancing science and research, and working together,” Shukla said as he passed the mic to his fellow crewmate from Poland.

“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.

Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”

“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.

'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS.&nbsp;Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists.&nbsp;WATCH:&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Axiom-4 successfully docks with ISS Next, the astronauts will open the hatch and greet Expedition 73 crew . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONuncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONuncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Axiom4Mission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Axiom4Mission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhanshuShukla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhanshuShukla</a> <a href="https://t.co/KtsTDFfLCf">pic.twitter.com/KtsTDFfLCf</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938190300037714189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>What's next?</h2>&nbsp;The crew is set to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking various scientific experiments. Organised as a joint effort by NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, with support from ISRO. This mission represents a growing trend of commercial human spaceflight involving international collaboration.&nbsp;<h2>Post-Docking Process Begins, Hatch Opening 2 Hours Away</h2>&nbsp;Following the successful docking, the post-docking sequence is underway before the astronauts can enter the ISS. The first step, known as ‘soft capture,’ was completed as the Dragon spacecraft latched onto the docking port. This is followed by ‘hard mate’, a process involving mechanical latches and hooks engaging to form a secure, airtight connection between Dragon and the ISS.&nbsp;Next comes the leak check and pressure equalisation phase, during which engineers carefully inspect for air leaks and gradually balance the pressure between the spacecraft and the station. Once a safe and stable environment is confirmed, astronauts remove their helmets or suits, known as suit doffing, and system readiness is verified, ensuring all life support and airflow systems are operational. Only after these procedures are completed, typically two hours post-docking, will the hatch be opened, allowing the Ax-4 crew to officially enter the ISS.

The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. 

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS. Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists. WATCH:

The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST.&nbsp;

WATCH: Dragon docks at International Space Station with Shubhanshu Shukla onboard; post-docking steps begin

SpaceX launched Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission on June 25, and with it India once again entered history books as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is one of the crew members onboard. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and two others - Poland's Tibor Kapu and Hungary's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, acting as mission specialists - are on the Dragon capsule taking them to the International Space Station. It lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop the Falcon 9 rocket. Right before the Dragon spacecraft was about to separate from Falcon 9's second stage, Whitson gave a speech and announced the name of the Dragon spacecraft her crew was aboard.She revealed that it was named "Grace", detailing why the name was chosen. "We had an incredible ride uphill, and we now set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet — our spacecraft, 'Grace.' Grace is more than a name," Whitson said. The veteran revealed that the name held double significance - the graceful movement, and "grace", as in "an act of goodwill."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-spacex-dragon-experience-updates-from-space-iss-1750922045064">'I am sleeping a lot': Shubhanshu Shukla says he did not enjoy being shot into 'silence of vacuum'</a>&nbsp;<h2>Baby swan ‘Joy’ on Axiom-4 mission tells about zero gravity</h2>&nbsp;"It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit, and the unmerited favor we carry with humility," Whitson said. "Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill - for the benefit of every human, everywhere," she added.Whitson also showed a plush toy swan, named "Joy". The baby swan served as the zero-g indicator on the Ax-4 mission. She said, the swan was "a symbol of beauty, unity, and the shared dreams that lift us beyond our world. Joy inspires us to look outward with wonder and inward with hope."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-namaskar-india-s-shubhanshu-shukla-new-message-for-indians-from-axiom-4-ahead-of-landing-watch-1750921692056">'Namaskar...': India's Shubhanshu Shukla sends new message for Indians from Axiom-4 ahead of docking - Watch</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on baby swan and Grace</h2>&nbsp;Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla later said in a livestream for Axiom that swans hold significance in Indian tradition as well. &nbsp;"Swan symbolises wisdom. It also has the ability to discern what should be focused on and what should not. We all have symbolism in Poland, Hungary, and India. It has more meaning than one would think," the 39-year-old said.Whitson further elaborated on the baby swan toy, saying, "Together, Grace and Joy embody the essence of this mission: to explore with purpose, to connect with compassion, and to dream without limits. As we glide through space, may we carry with us the spirit of Grace, the lightness of Joy, and the boundless possibilities that await us."The SpaceX capsule Grace will dock with the International Space Station at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. The crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments focused on human research, biological, and material sciences and more in the 15 days they will spend at the orbiting space observatory. &nbsp;

Axiom Spaces Ax 4 mission is being carried out on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The capsule has a name and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson revealed it before the Dragon spacecraft separated from Falcon 9s second stage. Here is why it has been named Grace.

SpaceX launched Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission on June 25, and with it India once again entered history books as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is one of the crew members onboard. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and two others - Poland's Tibor Kapu and Hungary's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, acting as mission specialists - are on the Dragon capsule taking them to the International Space Station. It lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop the Falcon 9 rocket. Right before the Dragon spacecraft was about to separate from Falcon 9's second stage, Whitson gave a speech and announced the name of the Dragon spacecraft her crew was aboard. She revealed that it was named "Grace", detailing why the name was chosen. "We had an incredible ride uphill, and we now set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet — our spacecraft, 'Grace.' Grace is more than a name," Whitson said. The veteran revealed that the name held double significance - the graceful movement, and "grace", as in "an act of goodwill." Also Read: 'I am sleeping a lot': Shubhanshu Shukla says he did not enjoy being shot into 'silence of vacuum' Baby swan ‘Joy’ on Axiom-4 mission tells about zero gravity "It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit, and the unmerited favor we carry with humility," Whitson said. "Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill - for the benefit of every human, everywhere," she added. Whitson also showed a plush toy swan, named "Joy". The baby swan served as the zero-g indicator on the Ax-4 mission. She said, the swan was "a symbol of beauty, unity, and the shared dreams that lift us beyond our world. Joy inspires us to look outward with wonder and inward with hope." Also Read: 'Namaskar...': India's Shubhanshu Shukla sends new message for Indians from Axiom-4 ahead of docking - Watch Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on baby swan and Grace Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla later said in a livestream for Axiom that swans hold significance in Indian tradition as well. "Swan symbolises wisdom. It also has the ability to discern what should be focused on and what should not. We all have symbolism in Poland, Hungary, and India. It has more meaning than one would think," the 39-year-old said. Whitson further elaborated on the baby swan toy, saying, "Together, Grace and Joy embody the essence of this mission: to explore with purpose, to connect with compassion, and to dream without limits. As we glide through space, may we carry with us the spirit of Grace, the lightness of Joy, and the boundless possibilities that await us." The SpaceX capsule Grace will dock with the International Space Station at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. The crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments focused on human research, biological, and material sciences and more in the 15 days they will spend at the orbiting space observatory.

Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission is being carried out on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The capsule has a name and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson revealed it before the Dragon spacecraft separated from Falcon 9's second stage. Here is why it has been named Grace.

Why is Shubhanshu Shukla's Ax-4 Dragon capsule named Grace? NASA astronaut reveals two reasons

Axiom Mission 4 is targeting to dock at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday (June 26), on the space-facing port International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony Module. The mission was launched at 12:01 IST from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It is expected to reach ISS within 28-29 hours.&nbsp;Here is a detail of all the information you need to know<h2>Landing date and time</h2>Date- 26.06.2025Time- 4:30 PM ISTLanding location: Node 2 International Space Station&nbsp;<h2>Where to watch</h2>Official live stream&nbsp;<ol><li>Axiom Space YouTube Channel</li></ol><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AxiomSpace/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@AxiomSpace/streams</a>&nbsp;2. NASA TV&nbsp;Available via NASA.gov/live&nbsp;Also available on the NASA app (iOS/Android)&nbsp;3. Live blog at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/">https://www.wionews.com/</a><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/">https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/</a>&nbsp;4. Replays/Highlights:Axiom’s official Twitter/X handle @Axiom_SpaceSpaceX’s YouTube channel and @SpaceX<h2>Crew member&nbsp;</h2>The Dragon is carrying Axiom-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu&nbsp;Peggy Whitson- Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom SpaceShubhanshu Shukla- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut&nbsp;Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski- ESA (European Space Agency) astronautTibor Kapu- Hungarian mechanical engineer and astronaut<h2>Experiments</h2>The scientific investigations planned by the ISRO and NASA include Regenerating muscle tissue, Sprouting seeds, survival of tiny aquatic organisms and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity.&nbsp;<h2>Social Media Handles to Follow</h2>@Axiom_Space@NASA@SpaceX#Ax4, #AxiomMission4 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Axiom Mission 4 to make a landing at the Harmony Module of the International Space Station (ISS)  at 4.30. Find out where to watch Axiom 4 landing live, and all the other information

Axiom Mission 4 is targeting to dock at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday (June 26), on the space-facing port International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony Module. The mission was launched at 12:01 IST from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It is expected to reach ISS within 28-29 hours. Here is a detail of all the information you need to know Landing date and time Date- 26.06.2025 Time- 4:30 PM IST Landing location: Node 2 International Space Station Where to watch Official live stream Axiom Space YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@AxiomSpace/streams 2. NASA TV Available via NASA.gov/live Also available on the NASA app (iOS/Android) 3. Live blog at https://www.wionews.com/ https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/ 4. Replays/Highlights: Axiom’s official Twitter/X handle @Axiom_Space SpaceX’s YouTube channel and @SpaceX Crew member The Dragon is carrying Axiom-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu Peggy Whitson- Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space Shubhanshu Shukla- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski- ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Tibor Kapu- Hungarian mechanical engineer and astronaut Experiments The scientific investigations planned by the ISRO and NASA include Regenerating muscle tissue, Sprouting seeds, survival of tiny aquatic organisms and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity. Social Media Handles to Follow @Axiom_Space @NASA @SpaceX #Ax4, #AxiomMission4

Axiom Mission 4 to dock at the International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony Module at 4.30. Find out where to watch Axiom 4 landing live, and all the other information

Axiom Mission 4 to dock: When and where to watch? All you need to know

Axiom Mission 4 marks India’s return to human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot. Led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission includes astronauts from 31 countries, focusing on science and global collaboration in space.


Axiom Mission 4 marks India’s return to human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot. Led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission includes astronauts from 31 countries, focusing on science and global collaboration in space.

31 countries unite for Axiom Mission 4 – What makes it special for India

Shubhanshu's wife, Kamna is a practising dentist and has been by his side through the demanding process of becoming an astronaut.

Shubhanshu's wife, Kamna is a practising dentist and has been by his side through the demanding process of becoming an astronaut.

Shubhanshu Shukla's liftoff: Indian astronaut's family, wife, and more as the Axiom-4 mission takes flight

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has officially entered orbit as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) &nbsp;on Wednesday. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT). The launch marks a historic first for India, with Shukla becoming the country’s first astronaut to travel to the ISS. The spacecraft, travelling at over 27,000 kilometres per hour in low Earth orbit, is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26 after a 28-hour journey. Just before departure, Shukla shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Kamna Shukla, expressing deep gratitude for her constant support.&nbsp;Shukla is joined by three international crewmates—mission commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, and mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), both representing the European Space Agency. This is the first ISS mission for all three participating nations—India, Hungary, and Poland—since their initial crewed spaceflights nearly four decades ago. The Axiom-4 mission, organised by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, ISRO, and international partners, underscores growing cooperation in commercial space exploration.&nbsp;<h2>Farewell message before departure</h2>&nbsp;Before departing Earth, Shukla shared a personal message on social media, expressing gratitude to his team, friends, and family. His note included a special mention of his wife, Kamna Shukla. “Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible, but more importantly none of this would matter,” he wrote. The post was accompanied by a poignant photograph of the couple bidding farewell through a glass partition, a quiet moment before a momentous journey.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTF3b2yZA5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTF3b2yZA5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTF3b2yZA5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan.shux)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

&nbsp;Shukla and Kamna’s story traces back to their school days in Lucknow, where they met in primary school. Now parents to a six-year-old, the couple’s long-standing bond has stood alongside the pilot’s rise through the Indian Air Force and into space history.<h2>Milestone for Indian spaceflight</h2>&nbsp;In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” The mission serves as a precursor to ISRO’s planned Gaganyaan mission in 2027, and India’s long-term goal of landing an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.&nbsp;

In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has officially entered orbit as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT). The launch marks a historic first for India, with Shukla becoming the country’s first astronaut to travel to the ISS. The spacecraft, travelling at over 27,000 kilometres per hour in low Earth orbit, is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26 after a 28-hour journey. Just before departure, Shukla shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Kamna Shukla, expressing deep gratitude for her constant support. Shukla is joined by three international crewmates—mission commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, and mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), both representing the European Space Agency. This is the first ISS mission for all three participating nations—India, Hungary, and Poland—since their initial crewed spaceflights nearly four decades ago. The Axiom-4 mission, organised by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, ISRO, and international partners, underscores growing cooperation in commercial space exploration. Farewell message before departure Before departing Earth, Shukla shared a personal message on social media, expressing gratitude to his team, friends, and family. His note included a special mention of his wife, Kamna Shukla. “Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible, but more importantly none of this would matter,” he wrote. The post was accompanied by a poignant photograph of the couple bidding farewell through a glass partition, a quiet moment before a momentous journey.

In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”

Shubhanshu Shukla’s touching farewell to wife before Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station

Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled to launch today (June 25) by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SPACEX. The mission is the first Indian government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in four decades and the fourth commercial mission to the International Space Station. The crew is scheduled to start its flight at 2:31 a.m. EDT, launching towards the orbiting laboratory. &nbsp;It was previously scheduled to lift off on June 11, 2025, from Kennedy Space Centre, but was scrubbed due to a leak of liquid oxygen.&nbsp;Here are the key details of Axiom Mission 4<h2>What is Axiom Mission 4</h2>Axiom Mission 4 is a planned private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). It will use SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, marking the maiden flight of the C213 Crew Dragon. It will dock at the International Space Station following approximately 28-hour journey in orbit.<h2>Who is abroad?</h2>The crew consists of Peggy Whitson, an Axiom employee, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, a European Space Agency project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu representing the Hungarian Space Office.&nbsp;<h2>Why is it significant ?</h2>The Axiom Mission 4 is crucial for India because it is the first time an Indian will be on the International Space Station, also the second time an Indian cosmonaut will be in orbit, after Rakesh Sharma with Soyuz in 1984<h2>Axiom Mission 4 experiments&nbsp;</h2>Axiom Mission 4 will conduct 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries, including India, the US, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. These experiments include AstroMentalHealth, AstroPerformance, EEG Neurofeedback, Human Gut Microbiota, Human Gut Microbiota, Leopard Data Processing Unit, etc. Shubhanshu Shukla will also conduct experiments developed by the India Space Research Organisation and other Indian institutions, namely studies of screen use, muscle atrophy and other cognitive effects.<h2>What does Axiom Space intend to achieve?</h2>Axiom Space intends to build the world's first commercial space station once the International Space Station retires. It will allow, government, businesses and research organisations to access space without them developing their own systems. Eventually replacing ISS with a low orbit destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled to launch today, the first Indian government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in four decades. Here is all you need to know

Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled to launch today (June 25) by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SPACEX. The mission is the first Indian government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in four decades and the fourth commercial mission to the International Space Station. The crew is scheduled to start its flight at 2:31 a.m. EDT, launching towards the orbiting laboratory. It was previously scheduled to lift off on June 11, 2025, from Kennedy Space Centre, but was scrubbed due to a leak of liquid oxygen. Here are the key details of Axiom Mission 4 What is Axiom Mission 4 Axiom Mission 4 is a planned private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). It will use SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, marking the maiden flight of the C213 Crew Dragon. It will dock at the International Space Station following approximately 28-hour journey in orbit. Who is abroad? The crew consists of Peggy Whitson, an Axiom employee, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, a European Space Agency project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu representing the Hungarian Space Office. Why is it significant ? The Axiom Mission 4 is crucial for India because it is the first time an Indian will be on the International Space Station, also the second time an Indian cosmonaut will be in orbit, after Rakesh Sharma with Soyuz in 1984 Axiom Mission 4 experiments Axiom Mission 4 will conduct 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries, including India, the US, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. These experiments include AstroMentalHealth, AstroPerformance, EEG Neurofeedback, Human Gut Microbiota, Human Gut Microbiota, Leopard Data Processing Unit, etc. Shubhanshu Shukla will also conduct experiments developed by the India Space Research Organisation and other Indian institutions, namely studies of screen use, muscle atrophy and other cognitive effects. What does Axiom Space intend to achieve? Axiom Space intends to build the world's first commercial space station once the International Space Station retires. It will allow, government, businesses and research organisations to access space without them developing their own systems. Eventually replacing ISS with a low orbit destination.

Axiom Mission 4 is scheduled to launch today, the first Indian government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in four decades. Here is all you need to know

Axiom Mission 4 liftoff today, taking India’s Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS: Know all the details

A sudden signal from space surprised astronomers when they found out that it came from a NASA satellite that had not been operational for almost 60 years. The brief, but extremely powerful signal was detected by radio telescopes in Western Australia. It came from Relay 2, a communications satellite launched by NASA in 1964. The signal lasted only a nanosecond, but was brighter than entire galaxies, New Scientist reported.Relay 2 did its job only for about three years and went silent in 1967. NASA declared it dead, and nothing has been transmitted from it since then, until now. It witnessed a burst of activity, prompting a signal to reach Earth. Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), a network of 36 radio telescopes, picked it up. What led to a dead satellite emitting such a bright signal after all these years?Scientists think that the satellite itself did not play any part in it, but was influenced by something else that happened in space. There is no confirmation on what it was. But there is a possibility that it suddenly released the energy it had been building up while orbiting through Earth's magnetic field. However, the external factor seems more likely.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deep-space-radio-signals-cosmic-mystery-object-pulsar-magnetar-1748517706567">44 minutes apart, 2 minutes every time: Something from deep space is sending signals to Earth</a>&nbsp;Astronomers believe that a micrometeoroid travelling at great speed hit the satellite, resulting in a burst of heat and charged particles that caused Relay 2 to emit the intense signal. What has surprised them even more is the fact that despite travelling so far, it remained extremely strong. It released about 400 watts of power at the time the event happened.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/this-radio-signal-is-coming-from-a-place-that-is-bending-the-rules-of-physics-8896132">Deep space radio signal travels from a place defying the rules of universe</a>&nbsp;The signal was similar to fast radio bursts (FRBs) that are typically emitted by pulsars and dead stars from deep space. So when Australian scientists noticed the high-energy flashes coming from somewhere so near, they could not believe it. Relay 2 is only about 4,500 kilometres above Earth's surface, well within the planet's orbit. They thought an unknown object, such as a pulsar, was travelling near Earth.Dr. Clancy James, lead researcher and associate professor at Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, told New Scientist, "We thought we might've found a new pulsar or a never-before-seen object. Instead, we saw an incredibly powerful radio pulse that eclipsed everything else in the sky for a split second."Scientists traced it back to the dead satellite that was passing overhead. The intensity of the radio signal was measured at more than three million janskys - 100 billion times stronger than the radio signals from a smartphone. Because of its strength and short duration, it was assumed to be coming from a cosmic object in deep space. A typical radio signal from a satellite lasts a microsecond (one-millionth of a second), but this was 1,000 times faster - the fastest and most powerful signal of its kind ever recorded near Earth.

NASA sent a satellite into space 60 years ago, which has been dead for a long time. But it suddenly transmitted a signal a few weeks back, shocking scientists on Earth. How was it possible?

A sudden signal from space surprised astronomers when they found out that it came from a NASA satellite that had not been operational for almost 60 years. The brief, but extremely powerful signal was detected by radio telescopes in Western Australia. It came from Relay 2, a communications satellite launched by NASA in 1964. The signal lasted only a nanosecond, but was brighter than entire galaxies, New Scientist reported. Relay 2 did its job only for about three years and went silent in 1967. NASA declared it dead, and nothing has been transmitted from it since then, until now. It witnessed a burst of activity, prompting a signal to reach Earth. Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), a network of 36 radio telescopes, picked it up. What led to a dead satellite emitting such a bright signal after all these years? Scientists think that the satellite itself did not play any part in it, but was influenced by something else that happened in space. There is no confirmation on what it was. But there is a possibility that it suddenly released the energy it had been building up while orbiting through Earth's magnetic field. However, the external factor seems more likely. Also Read: 44 minutes apart, 2 minutes every time: Something from deep space is sending signals to Earth Astronomers believe that a micrometeoroid travelling at great speed hit the satellite, resulting in a burst of heat and charged particles that caused Relay 2 to emit the intense signal. What has surprised them even more is the fact that despite travelling so far, it remained extremely strong. It released about 400 watts of power at the time the event happened. Also Read: Deep space radio signal travels from a place defying the rules of universe The signal was similar to fast radio bursts (FRBs) that are typically emitted by pulsars and dead stars from deep space. So when Australian scientists noticed the high-energy flashes coming from somewhere so near, they could not believe it. Relay 2 is only about 4,500 kilometres above Earth's surface, well within the planet's orbit. They thought an unknown object, such as a pulsar, was travelling near Earth. Dr. Clancy James, lead researcher and associate professor at Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, told New Scientist, "We thought we might've found a new pulsar or a never-before-seen object. Instead, we saw an incredibly powerful radio pulse that eclipsed everything else in the sky for a split second." Scientists traced it back to the dead satellite that was passing overhead. The intensity of the radio signal was measured at more than three million janskys - 100 billion times stronger than the radio signals from a smartphone. Because of its strength and short duration, it was assumed to be coming from a cosmic object in deep space. A typical radio signal from a satellite lasts a microsecond (one-millionth of a second), but this was 1,000 times faster - the fastest and most powerful signal of its kind ever recorded near Earth.

NASA sent a satellite into space 60 years ago, which has been dead for a long time. But it suddenly transmitted a signal a few weeks back, shocking scientists on Earth. How was it possible?

Someone just contacted Earth, and it shouldn't have...because it is long dead

The mission was initially scheduled to launch on May 29, 2025, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. The first Indian to travel to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984. 

The mission was initially scheduled to launch on May 29, 2025, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. The first Indian to travel to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984.&nbsp;

Launch, postpone, repeat: All about Shubhanshu Shukla’s bumpy road to the ISS

After an in-depth analysis of data from 263 ancient galaxies, the researchers from Kansas State University have found patterns that challenge the long-standing theories about the structure and origin of the universe.

After an in-depth analysis of data from 263 ancient galaxies, the researchers from Kansas State University have found patterns that challenge the long-standing theories about the structure and origin of the universe.

Are we living inside a black hole? NASA's James Webb Telescope study leaves scientists alarmed

Axiom Mission 4 &nbsp;launch delayed again, now set for 22 June due to space station repairsThe new launch date came after NASA reviewed ISS systems. The launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) has been delayed again. The mission, which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is now expected to launch on 22 June 2025, according to Axiom Space.&nbsp;Earlier, the launch had been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak detected during a routine booster inspection by SpaceX.&nbsp;Axiom Space announced the update, “NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than Sunday, June 22, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4. The change in a targeted launch date provides NASA time to continue evaluating space station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the International Space Station’s Zvezda service module.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ax4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ax4</a> crew remains in quarantine in Florida to maintain all medical and safety protocols. The crew is in good health and high spirits and looks forward to launch! <a href="https://t.co/0HLGPhJm0I">https://t.co/0HLGPhJm0I</a> <a href="https://t.co/aCdmj2In03">pic.twitter.com/aCdmj2In03</a>&mdash; Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/1935167090723279231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Shubhanshu Shukla to pilot Axiom Mission 4&nbsp;</h2>This mission holds historic value for India, as Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian astronaut in space and the first to visit the ISS. It marks India’s return to human spaceflight after over 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.&nbsp;The Ax-4 crew also includes ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański from Poland, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and mission commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut. It is the first government-sponsored space mission for India, Poland, and Hungary in over four decades.&nbsp;Whitson will be leading her second commercial human spaceflight, while the other astronauts will be representing their countries for the first time aboard the ISS.<h2>Mission overview&nbsp;</h2>The Ax-4 mission is expected to last up to 14 days, during which the crew will conduct over 60 scientific experiments across 31 countries. Research areas include human health, material sciences, biological studies, and Earth observation.&nbsp;The mission is also part of Axiom Space’s long-term goal to develop the first commercial space station. It highlights how international collaboration can accelerate space innovation and microgravity research.&nbsp;Countries contributing to the scientific programme include India, Poland, Hungary, the United States, UAE, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, among others. The experiments will help develop future space technologies and offer insights into life sciences in space.<h2>Crew remains in quarantine till launch on 22 June</h2>The Ax-4 crew remains in quarantine in Florida, following medical and safety protocols. According to Axiom Space, the astronauts are in good health and high spirits as they await launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Teams from <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a>, Poland, and Hungary engaged in a detailed discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a> regarding the probable launch timeline of Axiom Mission 4. Following this, <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a> held consultations with <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> to assess multiple readiness parameters. Based on the…&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1935185556339937428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Axiom mission 4 launch delayed to 22 june due to iss repairs. indian astronaut shubhanshu shukla to lead historic mission with international crew, conducting around 60+ experiments in space for global research.

Axiom Mission 4 launch delayed again, now set for 22 June due to space station repairs The new launch date came after NASA reviewed ISS systems. The launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) has been delayed again. The mission, which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is now expected to launch on 22 June 2025, according to Axiom Space. Earlier, the launch had been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak detected during a routine booster inspection by SpaceX. Axiom Space announced the update, “NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than Sunday, June 22, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4. The change in a targeted launch date provides NASA time to continue evaluating space station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the International Space Station’s Zvezda service module.

Axiom mission 4 launch delayed to 22 June due to ISS repairs. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to pilot historic mission with international crew, conducting around 60+ experiments in space for global research.

Axiom Mission 4 launch delayed again: New target date set for June 22

The Curiosity Rover has spotted a mushroom on Mars, leading some alien enthusiasts to proclaim that we have found "life" on the red planet. The rover took a photo on the Martian surface, which shows an object similar to a mushroom. It is not a new discovery, as the rover took the image in 2013. It went into the archives and has now been found by UFO hunter Scott Waring.The object appears to have a stem like a regular mushroom with a canopy on top. Waring says he is "not sure how or why NASA could overlook such a thing," since NASA has been trying to "find life on other planets and moons."&nbsp;Waring says the space agency should have used the expensive equipment on board Curiosity to examine the structure. After finding the photo, he strongly believes that a mushroom "pushed up out of the Mars dirt."&nbsp;"NASA should have poked it, bumped it, knocked it over, cut it open with their tools on the Curiosity rover," Waring said.<h2>People think NASA is not telling everything</h2>People are also questioning the reason for NASA ignoring this image, while some simply think that the space agency is keeping secrets from the public.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-comet-discovered-2-billion-kilometres-from-sun-is-acting-in-a-bizarre-way-1750143967728">Only 1 of 5: Comet discovered 2 billion kilometres from Sun is acting in a bizarre way</a>&nbsp;A user wrote on social media, "Looks like a mushroom to me! NASA know far more about MARS than they let on."&nbsp;Curiosity was launched in 2011 and landed on Aeolis Palus inside Gale crater in 2012. Its primary purpose is to hunt for evidence that life once existed on Mars. So why didn't NASA pursue this Martian "mushroom."&nbsp;For one, scientists do not think it is a mushroom, but merely two rocks placed on top of one another. Besides, the conditions on Mars mean that no form of life can currently thrive on the surface of the red planet.&nbsp;<h2>Possible explanations for mushroom on Mars?</h2>&nbsp;Dr Gareth Dorrian, a planetary physicist from the University of Birmingham, told MailOnline that the mushroom could be a geological formation from billions of years ago when liquid water flowed on Mars.&nbsp;It could also be two rocks, with the top one having gradually settled onto the bottom one as the wind blows away the sand and dust.&nbsp;Besides, the current conditions on Mars are just not ripe to support life. Dorrian points out that the atmospheric pressure at the Martian surface is extremely thin. This allows ultraviolet and particle radiation to constantly bombard the planet. The radiation is known to damage complex molecules like DNA.&nbsp;The temperatures on Mars range from 20°C during the day to -100°C at night. Dorrian says, "No known forms of life can simultaneously tolerate these extremes of temperatures, radiation levels, and low atmospheric pressure." &nbsp;

A photo taken by Curiosity rover in 2013 shows a mushroom-like object on Mars. NASA did not pursue it further, and now that the image has been revealed, people are asking why not.

The Curiosity Rover has spotted a mushroom on Mars, leading some alien enthusiasts to proclaim that we have found "life" on the red planet. The rover took a photo on the Martian surface, which shows an object similar to a mushroom. It is not a new discovery, as the rover took the image in 2013. It went into the archives and has now been found by UFO hunter Scott Waring. The object appears to have a stem like a regular mushroom with a canopy on top. Waring says he is "not sure how or why NASA could overlook such a thing," since NASA has been trying to "find life on other planets and moons." Waring says the space agency should have used the expensive equipment on board Curiosity to examine the structure. After finding the photo, he strongly believes that a mushroom "pushed up out of the Mars dirt." "NASA should have poked it, bumped it, knocked it over, cut it open with their tools on the Curiosity rover," Waring said. People think NASA is not telling everything People are also questioning the reason for NASA ignoring this image, while some simply think that the space agency is keeping secrets from the public. Also Read: Only 1 of 5: Comet discovered 2 billion kilometres from Sun is acting in a bizarre way A user wrote on social media, "Looks like a mushroom to me! NASA know far more about MARS than they let on." Curiosity was launched in 2011 and landed on Aeolis Palus inside Gale crater in 2012. Its primary purpose is to hunt for evidence that life once existed on Mars. So why didn't NASA pursue this Martian "mushroom." For one, scientists do not think it is a mushroom, but merely two rocks placed on top of one another. Besides, the conditions on Mars mean that no form of life can currently thrive on the surface of the red planet. Possible explanations for mushroom on Mars? Dr Gareth Dorrian, a planetary physicist from the University of Birmingham, told MailOnline that the mushroom could be a geological formation from billions of years ago when liquid water flowed on Mars. It could also be two rocks, with the top one having gradually settled onto the bottom one as the wind blows away the sand and dust. Besides, the current conditions on Mars are just not ripe to support life. Dorrian points out that the atmospheric pressure at the Martian surface is extremely thin. This allows ultraviolet and particle radiation to constantly bombard the planet. The radiation is known to damage complex molecules like DNA. The temperatures on Mars range from 20°C during the day to -100°C at night. Dorrian says, "No known forms of life can simultaneously tolerate these extremes of temperatures, radiation levels, and low atmospheric pressure."

A photo taken by Curiosity rover in 2013 shows a mushroom-like object on Mars. NASA did not pursue it further, and now that the image has been revealed, people are asking why not.

Did NASA find life on Mars in 2013? Curiosity photo of a 'mushroom' raises suspicion

Cosmic cliffs to newborn stars: Photos of the universe’s hidden wonders, credit James Webb Telescope

From the clearest image of Neptune's rings to the mystic view of newborn stars: Check some breathtaking images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Sally Ride, the first American woman and the third woman to fly in space, kept a part of her life hidden for over 27 years, which was only revealed after she died. A new documentary on the space pioneer's life tells about her romantic partner, who remained a mystery. &nbsp;Tam O’Shaughnessy opens up about the relationship in Sally, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.O’Shaughnessy says that no one knew about their relationship for 27 years. After Ride died in 2012 of complications from pancreatic cancer at age 61, the world learned about her.She says their friends and family sort of knew about them. O’Shaughnessy told People that she was to hold "a public celebration of her life, and then a national tribute at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC."Ten days before Ride died, O’Shaughnessy asked Ride what she should come out as to the public? Ride asked her to "decide what you want to say, how open you want to be about our relationship."Sally Ride joined NASA in 1978 and went to space in 1983 at the age of 32.In the documentary, O’Shaughnessy and Ride's romantic moments have been recreated using the former's memory of their time together. Ride was a private person, and the couple didn't have many photos together. The two were childhood friends, and the relationship turned romantic in 1985. She hopes that people will finally get to see Ride for "who she really was."“We had a wonderful relationship from the time we were kids until we became lovers,” O'Shaughnessy says. “I think it's something to be proud of.”Sally director Cristina Costantini says O’Shaughnessy's participation "changed everything"."Tam was the closest and most intimate voice that we could get to Sally,” film’s producer, Lauren Cioffi, added.O'Shaughnessy says remembering Sally in the documentary led her to break down several times, especially when talking about the time Sally got sick. "I got teary-eyed, and it just got me all the way through to my heart and guts. And that was a little bit of a surprise."Sally will be available on Nat Geo from June 16 and stream on Disney+ beginning June 17. ,

American astronaut Sally Ride had a romantic partner the world didn't know about for 27 years. Her identity was only revealed after she died in 2012.

Sally Ride, the first American woman and the third woman to fly in space, kept a part of her life hidden for over 27 years, which was only revealed after she died. A new documentary on the space pioneer's life tells about her romantic partner, who remained a mystery. Tam O’Shaughnessy opens up about the relationship in Sally, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. O’Shaughnessy says that no one knew about their relationship for 27 years. After Ride died in 2012 of complications from pancreatic cancer at age 61, the world learned about her. She says their friends and family sort of knew about them. O’Shaughnessy told People that she was to hold "a public celebration of her life, and then a national tribute at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC." Ten days before Ride died, O’Shaughnessy asked Ride what she should come out as to the public? Ride asked her to "decide what you want to say, how open you want to be about our relationship." Sally Ride joined NASA in 1978 and went to space in 1983 at the age of 32. In the documentary, O’Shaughnessy and Ride's romantic moments have been recreated using the former's memory of their time together. Ride was a private person, and the couple didn't have many photos together. The two were childhood friends, and the relationship turned romantic in 1985. She hopes that people will finally get to see Ride for "who she really was." “We had a wonderful relationship from the time we were kids until we became lovers,” O'Shaughnessy says. “I think it's something to be proud of.” Sally director Cristina Costantini says O’Shaughnessy's participation "changed everything". "Tam was the closest and most intimate voice that we could get to Sally,” film’s producer, Lauren Cioffi, added. O'Shaughnessy says remembering Sally in the documentary led her to break down several times, especially when talking about the time Sally got sick. "I got teary-eyed, and it just got me all the way through to my heart and guts. And that was a little bit of a surprise." Sally will be available on Nat Geo from June 16 and stream on Disney+ beginning June 17. ,

American astronaut Sally Ride had a romantic partner the world didn't know about for 27 years. Her identity was only revealed after she died in 2012.

NASA astronaut Sally Ride's 27-year secret was only revealed after she died

A study led by Tanguy Bertrand of the Paris Observatory, in Nature Astronomy, found that Pluto’s haze affects its climate by absorbing sunlight during the day and releasing it as infrared radiation at night. 

A study led by Tanguy Bertrand of the Paris Observatory, in Nature Astronomy, found that Pluto’s haze affects its climate by absorbing sunlight during the day and releasing it as infrared radiation at night.&nbsp;

‘New kind of climate’: NASA’s James Webb Telescope discovers strange atmospheric phenomenon on Pluto

The American Axiom-4 astronaut mission has been facing a series of delays over the last two weeks.&nbsp;The mission was originally scheduled to liftoff on 29th&nbsp;May, but hasn't lifted off until 13th&nbsp;June. The liftoff has been indefinitely postponed.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the initial set of glitches were Earth-based. These were troubles related to spacecraft components, unfavourable weather, technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Now, there's some technical challenges aboard the International Space Station, which is the destination of the Axiom-4 astronauts.&nbsp;&nbsp;The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharing a detailed summary of the delays so far, the Indian Space Research Organisation said, the launch was originally targeted on May 29th&nbsp;and was deferred to June 8th, due to observation in electrical harness(critical wiring) in SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, the launch was postponed to June 9th, due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 rocket. This was pushed to June 10th, due to unfavourable weather in the rocket's flight path.&nbsp;During the static hot fire testing of the Falcon 9 rocket, a leakage of liquid oxygen was detected in the rocket, and an anomaly in the 5th&nbsp;engine of the nine-engine rocket was observed. While the engine-related hardware issued was fixed, the launch was postponed to 11th&nbsp;June, hoping that the liquid oxygen leak would be set right. ISRO says, it recommended in-situ repairs or replacement and the conduct of a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch clearance.&nbsp;On June 11th, NASA informed that they are working with Russia's Roscosmos to evaluate a new pressure signature indicating a leak in the aft most segment of the Space Station's Zvezda Russian service module, after the recent repair attempt. In order to assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed, ISRO said.&nbsp;<h3>Opportunities for launch till June 30th&nbsp;or from mid-July&nbsp;</h3>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place.&nbsp;&nbsp;On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, Weigel had said. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she had elaborated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues. Therefore the next window for the Axiom-4 launch is in Mid-July.<h3>About Axiom-4 Human spaceflight mission</h3>Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;

After glitches on Earth, now troubles at Space Station delay Axiom-4

The American Axiom-4 astronaut mission has been facing a series of delays over the last two weeks. The mission was originally scheduled to liftoff on 29th May, but hasn't lifted off until 13th June. The liftoff has been indefinitely postponed. While the initial set of glitches were Earth-based. These were troubles related to spacecraft components, unfavourable weather, technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Now, there's some technical challenges aboard the International Space Station, which is the destination of the Axiom-4 astronauts. The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks. Sharing a detailed summary of the delays so far, the Indian Space Research Organisation said, the launch was originally targeted on May 29th and was deferred to June 8th, due to observation in electrical harness(critical wiring) in SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Further, the launch was postponed to June 9th, due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 rocket. This was pushed to June 10th, due to unfavourable weather in the rocket's flight path. During the static hot fire testing of the Falcon 9 rocket, a leakage of liquid oxygen was detected in the rocket, and an anomaly in the 5th engine of the nine-engine rocket was observed. While the engine-related hardware issued was fixed, the launch was postponed to 11th June, hoping that the liquid oxygen leak would be set right. ISRO says, it recommended in-situ repairs or replacement and the conduct of a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch clearance. On June 11th, NASA informed that they are working with Russia's Roscosmos to evaluate a new pressure signature indicating a leak in the aft most segment of the Space Station's Zvezda Russian service module, after the recent repair attempt. In order to assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed, ISRO said. Opportunities for launch till June 30th or from mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, Weigel had said. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she had elaborated. Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July. Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow. This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues. Therefore the next window for the Axiom-4 launch is in Mid-July. About Axiom-4 Human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks

Located around 60 light-years from Earth, this planet has been named 14 Herculis c. It is roughly seven times the mass of Jupiter.

Located around 60 light-years from Earth, this planet has been named 14 Herculis c. It is roughly seven times the mass of Jupiter.

'60 light-years away': NASA’s James Webb Telescope captures coldest exoplanet in distant star system

During crises, India cannot rely solely on commercial or foreign satellites. Somanath said India must develop an independent, dedicated defence satellite constellation to avoid reliance on globally accessible satellite services.

During crises, India cannot rely solely on commercial or foreign satellites. Somanath said India must develop an independent, dedicated defence satellite constellation to avoid reliance on globally accessible satellite services.

‘India need 100s of satellites’: How difficult it is to intercept Hypersonic missiles? Ex-ISRO Chief explains…

While there is emerging concern and speculation over the repeated delays in the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station, a top NASA official has said that there are launch opportunities all the way till June 30th.&nbsp;&nbsp;Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly - June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed. A mix of technical reasons related to the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Falcon 9 rocket, and weather have led to such events. "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳Shubhanshu Shukla/Axiom-4 spaceflight delay: Axiom-4 mission can be launched any day till 30th June... After that, we have opportunities from 2nd week of July. Plenty of launch opportunities, says Dana Weigel, Manager, Int&#39;l Space Station Program, NASA <a href="https://t.co/kFJRbn1eDB">pic.twitter.com/kFJRbn1eDB</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1932687522607608098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space.&nbsp;&nbsp;All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, said Weigel. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she elaborated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow. This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Announcing the latest postponement, SpaceX said, "Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the <a href="https://x.com/Space_Station">@Space_Station</a>&nbsp;to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date."&nbsp;&nbsp;The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket faces a liquid oxygen leak issue. The Falcon 9 burns a mix of rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to generate thrust for liftoff, therefore a leak of liquid oxygen poses a serious threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Monday June 9th, SpaceX has announced that there was a problem with the Thrust Vector Control system in the 5th&nbsp;engine of the nine-engine Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX also said that they have fixed the issue. Further, they also claimed to have fixed the oxygen leak issue, but the present scenario shows that the their claimed fix did not suffice and the leak persists. This is likely to further delay the mission.&nbsp;<h3>About Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission&nbsp;</h3>Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments.&nbsp;&nbsp;The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4.&nbsp;As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added.

Axiom-4 spaceflight delay: Can launch on any day till June 30th, says NASA

While there is emerging concern and speculation over the repeated delays in the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station, a top NASA official has said that there are launch opportunities all the way till June 30th. Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly - June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed. A mix of technical reasons related to the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Falcon 9 rocket, and weather have led to such events. "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA.

Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly-June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed

Indian pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission carries a hefty price tag. According to a report by Business Insider, the country paid space company Axiom a whopping $70 million for a seat to the International Space Station. That is nearly Rs 599 crore. The Ax-4 mission has been delayed due to bad weather and will now be launched on June 11 at 5:30 pm IST.The report states that the private astronaut seat on the mission has a price. The other three individuals who earlier paid Axiom for their previous missions are Larry Connor, a real estate investor; Mark Pathy, a Canadian investor; and Eytan Stibbe, a former Israeli fighter pilot. However, Shubhanshu did not pay from his pocket, and his trip has been financed by ISRO.Others joining Shukla on the trip are Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, &nbsp;mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-s-shubhanshu-shukla-ax-4-launch-delayed-to-wednesday-due-to-bad-weather-in-florida-1749481448874">SpaceX delays Axiom-4 carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to June 11: Here's why</a>&nbsp;<h2>Axiom ticket cost for space mission&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The cost of $70 million per seat on an Axiom mission is far more than what other space agencies, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, charge. A person taking a trip to space with Blue Origin needs to pay $150,000 as a refundable deposit. A ticket was auctioned off for $28 million. Meanwhile, Virgin Galactic tickets haven't been put on sale yet, but were earlier priced at $600,000.The stark difference in cost is primarily because of the duration of the journey and the destination. While Blue Origin's recent trip lasted only 11 minutes, those on Axiom-4 will actually go to the International Space Station and spend two weeks there.&nbsp;<h2>Axiom ticket price covers a year-long experience</h2>&nbsp;CEO Tejpaul Bhatia told Business Insider that the cost is not only for a seat, but includes a yearlong program to become a trained astronaut. Axiom Space's private astronauts are trained as per NASA standards, however, not as rigorously as NASA astronauts. The rockets are not manufactured by Axiom Space, but it enters into contracts with companies like SpaceX.Shukla's trip marks India's return to space in 41 years. Rakesh Sharma was the last Indian to fly to space aboard a Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.Bhatia said that the private astronaut seat is open to countries, space agencies, researchers, organisations, and individuals.&nbsp;

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla seat on the Axiom 4 space mission cost India a large amount of money. Here is how much the country paid to get an Indian back to space.

Indian pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission carries a hefty price tag. According to a report by Business Insider, the country paid space company Axiom a whopping $70 million for a seat to the International Space Station. That is nearly Rs 599 crore. The Ax-4 mission has been delayed due to bad weather and will now be launched on June 11 at 5:30 pm IST. The report states that the private astronaut seat on the mission has a price. The other three individuals who earlier paid Axiom for their previous missions are Larry Connor, a real estate investor; Mark Pathy, a Canadian investor; and Eytan Stibbe, a former Israeli fighter pilot. However, Shubhanshu did not pay from his pocket, and his trip has been financed by ISRO. Others joining Shukla on the trip are Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Also Read: SpaceX delays Axiom-4 carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to June 11: Here's why Axiom ticket cost for space mission The cost of $70 million per seat on an Axiom mission is far more than what other space agencies, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, charge. A person taking a trip to space with Blue Origin needs to pay $150,000 as a refundable deposit. A ticket was auctioned off for $28 million. Meanwhile, Virgin Galactic tickets haven't been put on sale yet, but were earlier priced at $600,000. The stark difference in cost is primarily because of the duration of the journey and the destination. While Blue Origin's recent trip lasted only 11 minutes, those on Axiom-4 will actually go to the International Space Station and spend two weeks there. Axiom ticket price covers a year-long experience CEO Tejpaul Bhatia told Business Insider that the cost is not only for a seat, but includes a yearlong program to become a trained astronaut. Axiom Space's private astronauts are trained as per NASA standards, however, not as rigorously as NASA astronauts. The rockets are not manufactured by Axiom Space, but it enters into contracts with companies like SpaceX. Shukla's trip marks India's return to space in 41 years. Rakesh Sharma was the last Indian to fly to space aboard a Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Bhatia said that the private astronaut seat is open to countries, space agencies, researchers, organisations, and individuals.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's seat on the Axiom-4 space mission cost India a large amount of money. Here is how much the country paid to get an Indian back to space.

India paid millions of dollars to get Shubhanshu Shukla a seat on Axiom-4 space mission. A whopping...

ISRO Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot SpaceX Crew Dragon on the 14 day Axiom 4 mission to the ISS. He’ll support the crew, lead indian science experiments, and engage with students, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot SpaceX’s Crew Dragon on the 14-day Ax-4 mission to the ISS. He’ll support the crew, lead indian science experiments, and engage with students, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Roles and responsibilities of Indian astronaut on Axiom Mission 4

Indian astronaut completes launch rehearsal with Ax-4 crew ahead of June 10 spaceflightFinal checks complete for AX-4 missionIndian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and the Ax-4 crew have completed their final launch rehearsal ahead of their space journey. confirmed by SpaceX in a recent post on X. The mission, organised by Axiom Space is scheduled to launch on 10 June from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.&nbsp;Ahead of the liftoff, the team conducted a full-dress rehearsal with SpaceX, including a static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket. The test is a key part of the pre-launch process and was completed without issue. Engineers are now reviewing data and tracking weather conditions to ensure safe and optimal launch conditions.&nbsp;This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984.<h2>Shubhanshu Shukla to serve as pilot for AX-4</h2>Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot on the Ax-4 mission, joining a multinational crew. The team includes Peggy Whitson from the United States as commander, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, both serving as mission specialists.&nbsp;The astronauts will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The Dragon capsule arrived at Launch Pad 39A’s hangar earlier this week in preparation for its first flight. The crew will head to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom’s fourth private astronaut mission. earlier launch was scheduled for 8 June but was moved to 10 June to allow additional time for systems checks. The Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on 11 June around 10 PM IST, following a journey of nearly 28 hours.<h2>International mission to conduct around 60 experiments</h2>Once aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will carry out nearly 60 scientific experiments. These include studies on human health, Earth observation, and material sciences. The mission involves collaborations with institutions from 31 countries, making it one of the most globally diverse spaceflights.&nbsp;As India watches with pride, Shukla’s participation in the Ax-4 mission has reignited national interest in human spaceflight and reflects the country’s growing role in international space missions.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday <a href="https://t.co/MEhuTdeuDf">pic.twitter.com/MEhuTdeuDf</a>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1931762043956375804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla and Ax-4 crew completed the final rehearsal for the Ax-4 mission, launching June 10 from Kennedy Space Center. The multinational crew will fly aboard SpaceX’s Dragon to the ISS for around 60 scientific experiments, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years.

Indian astronaut completes launch rehearsal with Ax-4 crew ahead of June 10 spaceflight Final checks complete for AX-4 mission Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and the Ax-4 crew have completed their final launch rehearsal ahead of their space journey. confirmed by SpaceX in a recent post on X. The mission, organised by Axiom Space is scheduled to launch on 10 June from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ahead of the liftoff, the team conducted a full-dress rehearsal with SpaceX, including a static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket. The test is a key part of the pre-launch process and was completed without issue. Engineers are now reviewing data and tracking weather conditions to ensure safe and optimal launch conditions. This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. Shubhanshu Shukla to serve as pilot for AX-4 Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot on the Ax-4 mission, joining a multinational crew. The team includes Peggy Whitson from the United States as commander, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, both serving as mission specialists. The astronauts will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The Dragon capsule arrived at Launch Pad 39A’s hangar earlier this week in preparation for its first flight. The crew will head to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom’s fourth private astronaut mission. earlier launch was scheduled for 8 June but was moved to 10 June to allow additional time for systems checks. The Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on 11 June around 10 PM IST, following a journey of nearly 28 hours. International mission to conduct around 60 experiments Once aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will carry out nearly 60 scientific experiments. These include studies on human health, Earth observation, and material sciences. The mission involves collaborations with institutions from 31 countries, making it one of the most globally diverse spaceflights. As India watches with pride, Shukla’s participation in the Ax-4 mission has reignited national interest in human spaceflight and reflects the country’s growing role in international space missions.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla and Ax-4 crew completed the final rehearsal for the Ax-4 mission, launching on June 10 from Kennedy Space Center. The crew will fly aboard SpaceX’s Dragon to the ISS for around 60 scientific experiments, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Ax-4 crew completes final rehearsal ahead of June 10 SpaceX launch

Watch ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla launch on SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission live on June 10 via NASA+, SpaceX, Axiom Space YouTube, and indian news channels. Coverage starts around 4:55 pm IST as India returns to human spaceflight after 40 years.

Watch ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla launch on SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission live on June 10 via NASA+, SpaceX, Axiom Space YouTube, and indian news channels. Coverage starts around 4:55 pm IST as India returns to human spaceflight after 40 years.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Where to watch SpaceX Ax-4 mission launch live in India

65-year-old Peggy Whitson, the American astronaut leading the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, has spent a total of 675 days in space so far. After having cumulatively spent 675 days in space over a period of 23 years, she's all set to blast off on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on June 10 for a two-week stay at the International Space Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peggy Whitson holds the record for the most time spent in space cumulatively by an American astronaut and by any woman astronaut globally. Among American astronauts, Sunita Williams is placed second with a cumulative 608 days in space.<h2>From Baconsfield, Iowa to Astronauts Hall of Fame</h2>&nbsp;Born February 9, 1960, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Peggy Whitson's hometown is Baconsfield, Iowa, a countryside with a population of less than 20 people. Recalling her upbringing, Whitson said, "The biggest lessons I learnt growing up on a farm were- determination, diligence to get the job done. My parents are the hardest working people I knew, they taught me that work ethic and never to quit."&nbsp;A Doctorate in Biochemistry from Rice University, Whitson worked in various capacities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 1989 to 1993. In April 1996, she was selected as an Astronaut Candidate and started training in August 1996. She had her maiden spaceflight in 2002.&nbsp;In her stint with NASA, Whitson has completed two six-month missions and a third, nearly one year mission, aboard the International Space Station. In 2018, Whitson retired from NASA and joined the American private firm Axiom Space, where she is presently serving as Director of human spaceflight. Whitson also led the Axiom-2 private spaceflight mission. Whitson's space and science experience: Spanning over 37 years&nbsp; On May 31st 2025, Peggy Whitson was inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. However, Peggy couldn't attend the event as she was in quarantine ahead of her Axiom-4 spaceflight.<h2>Peggy Whitson's Spaceflight records</h2>&nbsp;On Axiom-2, Whitson became the first female commander of a private space mission, adding to her accomplishments as the first female commander of the International Space Station(ISS), the only woman to serve as ISS commander twice, and the first woman, non-military chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. During her three previous space missions to the Space Station, she conducted 10 spacewalks, logging over 60 hours. Throughout Whitson’s career, she has contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. Axiom-4 will be Whitson's fifth mission to the Space Station and the second time that she is leading a commercial mission.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/isro-s-shubhanshu-shukla-how-the-indian-astronaut-s-space-experiments-could-change-life-in-space-on-mars-and-in-a-multiplanetary-future-1749299478920">ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: How the Indian astronaut’s space experiments could change life in space, on Mars, and in a multiplanetary future</a>&nbsp;Peggy Whitson is the third person to have flown multiple times on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. By the time she completes the Axiom-4 mission, she will have spent a total of 690 days in space. Whitson also has the distinction of flying on the American Space Shuttle, the Russian Soyuz Capsule, and the SpaceX Crew Dragon, all of which are vehicles that ferry astronauts to and from the Space Station.<h2>About Axiom-4 Mission</h2>&nbsp;Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they will stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will lead the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.&nbsp;This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/isro-s-shubhanshu-shukla-stunning-views-indian-astronaut-will-see-from-space-1749218326497">ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Stunning views Indian astronaut will see from space (See photos)</a>&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. &nbsp;

65-year-old Peggy Whitson, the American astronaut leading the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, has spent a total of 675 days in space so far. 

65-year-old Peggy Whitson, the American astronaut leading the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, has spent a total of 675 days in space so far. After having cumulatively spent 675 days in space over a period of 23 years, she's all set to blast off on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on June 10 for a two-week stay at the International Space Station. Peggy Whitson holds the record for the most time spent in space cumulatively by an American astronaut and by any woman astronaut globally. Among American astronauts, Sunita Williams is placed second with a cumulative 608 days in space. From Baconsfield, Iowa to Astronauts Hall of Fame Born February 9, 1960, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Peggy Whitson's hometown is Baconsfield, Iowa, a countryside with a population of less than 20 people. Recalling her upbringing, Whitson said, "The biggest lessons I learnt growing up on a farm were- determination, diligence to get the job done. My parents are the hardest working people I knew, they taught me that work ethic and never to quit." A Doctorate in Biochemistry from Rice University, Whitson worked in various capacities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 1989 to 1993. In April 1996, she was selected as an Astronaut Candidate and started training in August 1996. She had her maiden spaceflight in 2002. In her stint with NASA, Whitson has completed two six-month missions and a third, nearly one year mission, aboard the International Space Station. In 2018, Whitson retired from NASA and joined the American private firm Axiom Space, where she is presently serving as Director of human spaceflight. Whitson also led the Axiom-2 private spaceflight mission. Whitson's space and science experience: Spanning over 37 years On May 31st 2025, Peggy Whitson was inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. However, Peggy couldn't attend the event as she was in quarantine ahead of her Axiom-4 spaceflight. Peggy Whitson's Spaceflight records On Axiom-2, Whitson became the first female commander of a private space mission, adding to her accomplishments as the first female commander of the International Space Station(ISS), the only woman to serve as ISS commander twice, and the first woman, non-military chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. During her three previous space missions to the Space Station, she conducted 10 spacewalks, logging over 60 hours. Throughout Whitson’s career, she has contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science. Axiom-4 will be Whitson's fifth mission to the Space Station and the second time that she is leading a commercial mission. Also read: ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: How the Indian astronaut’s space experiments could change life in space, on Mars, and in a multiplanetary future Peggy Whitson is the third person to have flown multiple times on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. By the time she completes the Axiom-4 mission, she will have spent a total of 690 days in space. Whitson also has the distinction of flying on the American Space Shuttle, the Russian Soyuz Capsule, and the SpaceX Crew Dragon, all of which are vehicles that ferry astronauts to and from the Space Station. About Axiom-4 Mission Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they will stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will lead the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Also read: ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Stunning views Indian astronaut will see from space (See photos) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4.

65-year-old Peggy Whitson, the American astronaut leading the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, has spent a total of 675 days in space so far.&nbsp;

675 days in Space: All about Peggy Whitson, superwoman Astronaut leading Axiom-4

Russia has recently developed and patented a new technology that enables the automatic launch of spacecraft from an orbital station, with integrated robotic systems for maintenance.&nbsp;The system has the capability of becoming the world’s first drone platform of its kind. It is expected to be tested on the Russian Orbital Station (ROS). The platform will also support future lunar exploration programmes.&nbsp;The development of the system was reportedly confirmed during a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Manturov described the platform as a patented solution by the Russian Federation.&nbsp;<h2>Testing at Russian Orbital Station</h2>&nbsp;The ROS is presently being developed. The first segment of the orbital station is the Scientific and Power Module (SPM) and it is scheduled for launch by the end of 2027. The station would be placed in a near-polar orbit. It is expected that, by 2030, Russia will transition to its own modular orbital station, thus phasing out reliance on the International Space Station (ISS), which is expected to be decommissioned around the same period.&nbsp;Additional modules, which includes the universal-node, gateway, and base modules are set for launch by 2030. These components, along with the SPM, will make the core structure of the station. Further, between 2031 and 2033, two more target modules will be docked as part of the second phase of the station’s construction. &nbsp;<h2>Lunar Applications and Strategic Shift</h2>&nbsp;Manturov further also stated that the new technology would be tested within the ROS framework and will be subsequently adapted for Russia's lunar exploration missions. This signals a shift in the country’s long-term space strategy, focusing on its independent capabilities as international collaborations in space, similar to those with NASA on the ISS, are expected to conclude with the station’s deorbiting by 2030.&nbsp;The ROS will also serve as a permanent infrastructure to support Russia’s space activities beyond the orbit of the Earth. The inclusion of robotic systems for maintenance for the platform aims to reduce the need for constant human presence, allowing for autonomous operations and potentially longer mission durations.

The system has the capability of becoming the world’s first drone platform of its kind. It is expected to be tested on the Russian Orbital Station (ROS). 

Russia has recently developed and patented a new technology that enables the automatic launch of spacecraft from an orbital station, with integrated robotic systems for maintenance. The system has the capability of becoming the world’s first drone platform of its kind. It is expected to be tested on the Russian Orbital Station (ROS). The platform will also support future lunar exploration programmes. The development of the system was reportedly confirmed during a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Manturov described the platform as a patented solution by the Russian Federation. Testing at Russian Orbital Station The ROS is presently being developed. The first segment of the orbital station is the Scientific and Power Module (SPM) and it is scheduled for launch by the end of 2027. The station would be placed in a near-polar orbit. It is expected that, by 2030, Russia will transition to its own modular orbital station, thus phasing out reliance on the International Space Station (ISS), which is expected to be decommissioned around the same period. Additional modules, which includes the universal-node, gateway, and base modules are set for launch by 2030. These components, along with the SPM, will make the core structure of the station. Further, between 2031 and 2033, two more target modules will be docked as part of the second phase of the station’s construction. Lunar Applications and Strategic Shift Manturov further also stated that the new technology would be tested within the ROS framework and will be subsequently adapted for Russia's lunar exploration missions. This signals a shift in the country’s long-term space strategy, focusing on its independent capabilities as international collaborations in space, similar to those with NASA on the ISS, are expected to conclude with the station’s deorbiting by 2030. The ROS will also serve as a permanent infrastructure to support Russia’s space activities beyond the orbit of the Earth. The inclusion of robotic systems for maintenance for the platform aims to reduce the need for constant human presence, allowing for autonomous operations and potentially longer mission durations.

The system has the capability of becoming the world’s first drone platform of its kind. It is expected to be tested on the Russian Orbital Station (ROS).&nbsp;

Robots in orbit: Russia patents tech to launch and maintain space drones — everything you need to know

When Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system, zipped past Earth in 2017, it left scientists with more questions than answers. Here’s why a few scientists, including Harvard’s Avi Loeb, dared to suggest it might have been alien in origin.

When Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system, zipped past Earth in 2017, it left scientists with more questions than answers. Here’s why a few scientists, including Harvard’s Avi Loeb, dared to suggest it might have been alien in origin.

Was Oumuamua an alien spaceship? Harvard scientist hints it was no ordinary rock

nasa

Nasa, News on Nasa, stories on Nasa, articles on Nasa, Nasa stories at Wion, Nasa news, Nasa latest news

nasa

From Columbia to Discovery: The five largest NASA space shuttles in history

Red Planet ready for humans? Scientists locate potential settlement zone on Mars

PM Modi speaks to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the ISS

Here's a list of NASA’s top 7 astronauts who have spent the most time in space

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space

Dragon docks at ISS with Shubhanshu Shukla onboard; post-docking steps begin

Why is Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom capsule named Grace? NASA astronaut reveals

Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4) docking: All you need to know

31 countries unite for Axiom Mission 4 – What makes it special for India

The Indian astronaut's family, wife and more as the Axiom-4 mission takes flight

Shubhanshu Shukla’s touching farewell to wife before Axiom-4 mission to ISS

Axiom Mission 4 liftoff today, taking India’s Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS

Someone just contacted Earth, and it shouldn't have...because it is long dead

Launch, postpone, repeat: All about Shubhanshu Shukla’s bumpy road to the ISS

Are we living inside a black hole? James Webb study leaves scientists alarmed

Axiom Mission 4 launch delayed again: New target date set for June 22

Did NASA find life on Mars in 2013? A Curiosity photo is raising suspicion

Cosmic cliffs to newborn stars: Photos of the universe’s hidden wonders

NASA astronaut Sally Ride's 27-year secret was only revealed after she died

NASA’s James Webb Telescope discovers ‘new kind of climate’ on Pluto

After glitches on Earth, now troubles at Space Station delay Axiom-4

NASA’s James Webb captures coldest exoplanet in distant star system

Why India need 100s of satellites to intercept Hypersonic missiles?

Axiom-4 spaceflight delay: Can launch on any day till June 30th, says NASA

India paid millions of dollars to get Shubhanshu Shukla a seat on Axiom-4 space mission. A whopping...

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Roles and responsibilities of Indian astronaut on Axiom Mission 4