In a landmark moment for international space collaboration, America's most experienced astronaut, Dr Peggy Annette Whitson, will command the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission - also sometimes referred to as Mission Akash Ganga to the International Space Station (ISS) - with India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the mission pilot. The mission, will mark a significant milestone for both the United States and India in the realm of human spaceflight.
At 64, Dr Whitson brings unparalleled experience to the mission. A trained biochemist and a veteran of four spaceflights, she has spent a cumulative 675 days in space - more than any other American astronaut and more than any woman astronaut globally. Her career spans over 38 years with NASA and Axiom Space, where she currently serves as Director of Human Spaceflight.
The Ax-4 mission, operated by Houston-based private space company Axiom Space under a commercial contract with NASA, will carry a diverse international crew aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Alongside Dr Whitson and Group Captain Shukla, the crew includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.
Dr Whitson says "AX-4 represents another important step forward in the evolution of commercial spaceflight and international collaboration in low-Earth orbit, each mission we fly builds on the last, expanding our capabilities and deepening our understanding of how we can sustainably live and work in space. I've been incredibly impressed by the dedication and the work ethic and the passion of this team. It's been a joy to train alongside them, and I'm looking forward to seeing them in microgravity."
A Commander Like No Other
Dr Whitson's credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. She was the first woman to command the ISS - twice - and the first woman to command a private space mission, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2). She also holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, having conducted 10 extravehicular activities (EVAs) totalling over 60 hours in open space. For comparison, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who has completed nine spacewalks totalling 62 hours, 6 minutes.
Her leadership roles at NASA have been equally ground breaking. She served as the first non-military Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office, chaired the Astronaut Selection Board, and was the agency's first ISS Science Officer. Her scientific contributions span hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science.
Born and raised on a farm near Beaconsfield, Iowa, Dr Whitson was inspired to become an astronaut after watching the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Her journey from rural America to the edge of space is a testament to perseverance and passion.
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, she said astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were her role models. "Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first men who walked on the moon, and it was when I was nine years old. And that was my inspiration for wanting to become an astronaut. So, I think it's very fitting that we are flying from 39A. My first shuttle flight was also from 39A. So, I'm very attached to the launch pad," he said.
India's Gaganyatri In Safe Hands
For Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer, flying under the command of Dr Whitson is both an honour and a strategic advantage. According to Axiom Space, "Shukla could not be in safer hands." His role as mission pilot places him at the heart of spacecraft operations, and he is expected to work closely with Dr Whitson during the mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that during the mission, the Gaganyatri - India's term for its astronauts - will conduct selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS. Additionally, Group Captain Shukla will engage in space outreach activities including speaking to a VIP from space, further strengthening India's growing presence in the global space community.
A Truly International Crew
The Ax-4 mission exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space. Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, a Polish national and European Space Agency astronaut, will serve as a mission specialist. His participation has been confirmed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland. Tibor Kapu from Hungary, also a mission specialist, rounds out the four-member crew.
This diverse team will share the cramped quarters of the Crew Dragon capsule as they journey to the ISS, where they will live and work in microgravity for 14 days. Their mission will not only advance scientific knowledge but also demonstrate the viability of commercial spaceflight as a platform for international collaboration.
The Future Of Commercial Spaceflight
Axiom Space is at the forefront of the commercial spaceflight revolution. By partnering with NASA and leveraging SpaceX's launch capabilities, the company aims to build the world's first commercial space station. Missions like Ax-4 are critical stepping stones toward that vision.
For Dr Whitson, who retired from NASA in 2018 but continues to fly as an astronaut with Axiom, the mission represents a new chapter in a storied career. Her leadership ensures that the crew - especially first-time flyers like Group Captain Shukla - will benefit from her deep well of experience.
As the countdown to Ax-4 begins, the world watches with anticipation. The mission is not just a technical endeavour but a symbol of what humanity can achieve when nations and individuals come together in pursuit of knowledge and exploration. With Dr Peggy Whitson at the helm and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla representing India's aspirations in space, Ax-4 promises to be a mission for the history books.
