ISRO and NASA Collaborate for ISS Mission Featuring Indian Astronauts

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has progressed significantly in its collaboration with NASA, as it has shortlisted two astronauts from its Gaganyaan program for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This joint mission, set to occur no earlier than October 2024, marks a crucial milestone in India’s space endeavours.

Preparation and Training for ISS Mission

The selected astronauts will travel to the United States for specific training tailored to the ISS environment. While their primary training in India focused on the Gaganyaan modules, they needed additional preparation to become familiar with the ISS modules and protocols. This specialised training is essential to ensure they are adept at handling the ISS’s unique systems and procedures.

The upcoming mission, known as Axiom-4, is the fourth private astronaut mission facilitated by NASA in collaboration with Axiom Space. This mission will see the Indian astronauts spending fourteen days aboard the ISS. Axiom Space, which has contracted SpaceX for transportation, will also oversee the astronauts’ training on the Dragon spacecraft. This training will cover various aspects, including system operations, procedures, and emergency preparedness.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The groundwork for this collaboration was laid during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States last year. During this visit, it was announced that NASA would provide advanced training to Indian astronauts. This commitment was reiterated by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during his visit to Delhi later in the year, where he confirmed that an Indian astronaut would be trained for an ISS mission by the end of 2024.

India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, aimed at achieving human spaceflight, is expected to see its first unmanned flight soon. However, the maiden human spaceflight under this program is projected to take place after the successful completion of two unmanned missions, likely not before 2025. This ISS mission serves as a significant step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight, providing valuable experience and expertise that will be crucial for the future Gaganyaan missions.

This collaboration between ISRO and NASA symbolises a significant advancement in India’s space exploration journey, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in achieving ambitious space goals.