NewKerala.com

Key Points

Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai confirms the Axiom-4 mission is progressing smoothly after a successful launch. The next critical milestone is the safe docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the ISS. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey marks a historic moment for India's space ambitions. The mission includes seven scientific experiments to be conducted aboard the ISS.

Key Points: Former ISRO Scientist Annadurai Confirms Smooth Axiom-4 Mission Progress

  • Axiom-4 mission progressing as planned with stable Falcon 9 performance
  • Indian astronaut Shukla's ISS docking crucial next step
  • Mission marks historic milestone for India's space program
  • Seven scientific experiments to be conducted aboard ISS
3 min read

Axiom-4 mission going smoothly, safe docking of AX-4 at ISS now key: Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai

Ex-ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai confirms Axiom-4's smooth journey, highlights safe ISS docking as next key milestone for Indian astronaut Shukla.

"Safe docking at the International Space Station tomorrow is the main thing expected now... Every Indian is happy. – Mylswamy Annadurai"

Bengaluru, June 25

Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai on Wednesday said the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is progressing as planned and underscored that the next major milestone will be the safe docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the ISS.

Speaking about the mission shortly after its successful launch, Annadurai told ANI, "I think everything went as planned... As of now, everything is going on smoothly... Safe docking at the International Space Station tomorrow is the main thing expected now... Every Indian is happy..."

He praised the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket and the Axiom spacecraft combination, noting their stability and precision.

"The Falcon 9 and this Axiom-4 combination have worked well... The first stage of Falcon 9 was once again recovered successfully. This particular Dragon vehicle is a new one, and it is going very smoothly. As of now, putting it into space and bringing back the first stage, I think everything went as planned," Annadurai said.

He added that the spacecraft is now gradually moving closer to the ISS and is expected to dock safely by tomorrow.

"We now look forward to the journey from now until around 4:30 tomorrow, when it will gradually pick up speed and move nearer to the space station. Safe docking is the major event expected from now until then. As of now, everything is going smoothly, and according to updates from the Dragon vehicle, the crew's health is reported to be good," he said.

Reacting to remarks made by Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who said, "The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme," Annadurai said it was a proud moment for all Indians.

"I always feel the Tricolour is truly symbolic for Indians. Whether it's at the Olympics or in space, it brings pride. When we planted the Tricolour on the Moon, it was an emotional moment. Similarly, this moment is not just for those in India but for every Indian across the world. Everyone will rejoice. This 'Indianness' is part of every Indian," Annadurai said.

The Axiom-4 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marks a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He will carry out seven scientific experiments during his stay aboard the ISS.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a proud moment for India! 🚀 Seeing our astronaut represent us at the ISS is truly inspiring. Hope this paves the way for more Indian participation in space exploration. Kudos to ISRO and SpaceX for this collaboration!
P
Priya M.
While this is exciting, I hope we're also focusing on developing our own indigenous human spaceflight capabilities. Gaganyaan can't come soon enough! Still, congratulations to Group Captain Shukla - making history!
A
Arjun S.
The scientific experiments planned sound fascinating! Does anyone have details about what exactly will be conducted? Space research benefits all humanity, and India's contribution is valuable.
S
Sunita P.
Annadurai sir's words about the Tricolour brought tears to my eyes. Whether it's Chandrayaan or this mission, our scientists make us proud time and again. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
V
Vikram R.
Good to see private space collaborations working well. But hope ISRO gets more budget allocation - our scientists do miracles with shoestring budgets compared to NASA or SpaceX!
N
Neha T.
The docking procedure is always nail-biting! Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly tomorrow. Space exploration requires such precision - salute to all the engineers and scientists involved.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50