Two Indian astronauts selected for the historic Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully completed the first phase of their training, saidthe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday, November 29.. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is the primary astronaut, and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, his backup, began their intensive training in August 2024.

The astronauts are part of a collaborative mission between ISRO and NASA, aiming to take India’s space exploration efforts to new heights. The training took place in the United States at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where they became familiar with the ISS modules, spacecraft systems, and emergency protocols. They also participated in various onboard activities and had the chance to visit Axiom Space facilities to meet with mission members.

The Axiom-4 mission, scheduled for launch no earlier than 2025, will use SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule. During the 14-day mission, Shubhanshu Shukla will join a crew of international astronauts, including Commander Peggy Whitson (U.S.), Mission Specialist SÅ‚awosz Uznański (Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary) aboard the ISS.

This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, showcasing the nation’s growing role in global space exploration. As the Gaganyaan mission continues to advance, these training efforts are crucial in preparing the astronauts for their future mission to space.