Iaf pilot Shubhanshu Shukla to fly to ISS: from the cultivation of crops to the study of water bears, a look at his AX-4 mission | Mint

India is ready to achieve a significant milestone in its space exploration journey, as the group captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, scheduled for May 2025, will India’s return to human space after a gap of more than four decades since Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey in 1984, who is Shubhanshu Shukla? Shubhanshu Shukla, born October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He is a graduate of the National Defense Academy and was instructed on June 17, 2006 in the fighter jet. Shukla was one of the four astronauts established in February 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Gaganyan mission in India. In August 2024 he was selected as the most important astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the ISS. What experiments will he do in the ISS? During his 14-day accommodation on board the ISS as part of Axiom Mission-4 (AX-4), Shukla will do at least seven scientific experiments. One of the key experiments involves studying the survival and gene expression of harvesting councils, also known as water bears, in microgravity. These microscopic organisms are known for their resilience in extreme circumstances, and the study aims to understand their revival, survival and reproduction in space. Another important experiment focuses on the feasibility of crops in space. This research is crucial for future long-term spatial missions as it explores sustainable food production in microsaver environments. In addition, Shukla will be involved in experiments investigating the interaction of human computer in zero-saying conditions. These studies aim to improve the design of spatial user interfaces, ensuring effective and safe operations for astronauts. The AX-4 Mission, a collaborative effort involving Isro, NASA and the European Space Agency, will also include astronauts from the United States, Hungary and Poland. This mission is an important step forward in international cooperation in space exploration. While preparations for the mission continue, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is proof of India’s growing capabilities in space science and his dedication to contribute to global spatial research. This mission, coordinated with large space agencies, will not only increase the scientific profile of India, but also inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers. First published: 21 Apr 2025, 10:34 IST