In a significant milestone, two Indian astronauts have completed the initial phase of training for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, underwent training in the USA from August 2024.
The initial phase of training covered essential aspects such as mission-related ground facility tours, launch phases, SpaceX suit fit checks, and space food options. The astronauts also familiarized themselves with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and ISS onboard systems, including photography, daily operations, and communication protocols. Training for emergency situations, including medical emergencies, was also a crucial part of this phase.
The next phase of training will focus on the remaining modules of the US Orbital Segment of the space station and conducting scientific research experiments in microgravity. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh has stated that an Indian astronaut is likely to fly to the ISS by April next year as part of the NASA-ISRO collaborative initiative
