India’s Journey to ‘Viksit Bharat’ Gets a Boost with Axiom-4

India just took another big step in its space journey. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called the recent Axiom-4 mission launch a sign that the country is moving closer to its goal of becoming a developed nation, or “Viksit Bharat.” The mission is especially meaningful because it features Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Air Force, who’s now the first Indian astronaut to join a private mission to the International Space Station.

 

Here’s what stands out about this mission:

 

The Axiom-4 crew took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Having an Indian astronaut on board is a proud moment for the country.

 

At a live screening in New Delhi, Dr. Singh said this mission is a dream come true for India’s early space leaders, and he credited the current government for pushing India’s space program forward.

 

Shukla isn’t just going for the ride. He’s taking experiment kits designed by Indian researchers to study how microgravity and cosmic radiation affect edible microalgae. This research could help future astronauts on deep-space missions.

 

The spacecraft will dock with the International Space Station on June 26. The crew will spend up to two weeks there, working on science experiments and other activities.

The event drew both Indian scientists and international guests, showing how much interest there is in India’s space efforts.

 

Many see this mission as a stepping stone for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission and future partnerships in space exploration.

 

Source: Daily Excelsior, PIB, NDTV, Hindustan Times, Economic Times Government