India selects 2 crew members for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.

Key points

• Space Flight Agreement (SFA): The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. 
• ISRO-NASA collaboration: This agreement is part of a joint ISRO-NASA effort to enhance collaboration on space missions.
• Selected Astronauts: Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been shortlisted to go to the U.S. to train for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Axiom Space

• About: Axiom Space is an American privately funded space infrastructure developer and provider of human spaceflight services. 
  • The company is focused on building the world’s first commercial space station and facilitating private astronaut missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), including missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Axiom-4: The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

Benefits of Axiom-4 Mission

• Enhancement of Human Spaceflight Capabilities: The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA.
• Access to Advanced Training and Technology: India’s involvement provides access to advanced training, technological advancements, and scientific opportunities.