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New flight to space: Axiom-4 and India’s global recognition

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By: Priyanka Saurabh

The Axiom-4 mission is a historic moment in India’s space history. With the participation of Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, this mission has become not just a technological achievement but a symbol of India’s presence on the global stage.

This mission, in collaboration with America’s Axiom-4 Space and NASA, has taken India to new heights in the field of human space travel. At the level of scientific experiments, international cooperation and strategic partnerships, this mission strengthens the foundation for the upcoming Gaganyaan and Indian Space Station.

When an Indian representative went to the International Space Station (ISS) after a long gap of 41 years, it was not just a mission but a rebirth of India’s space science, global diplomacy and scientific reputation. The participation of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force in the Axiom-4 mission made it clear that India is no longer seen as just a participant in the space race but as a potential leader.

Through this mission, India achieved success at many levels simultaneously. First of all, from a scientific point of view, India sent seven major scientific experiments to space under this mission.

All these experiments were based on microgravity and their aim was to understand various aspects of life. The study done on seeds like fenugreek and moong took the uniqueness of Indian agricultural techniques to space. This proves that India’s traditional farming is also relevant and modern for scientific research.

Additionally, experiments based on microorganisms, microalgae and muscle regeneration proved India’s utility in the development of life support systems for long-term space travel. This makes it clear that India has come not only to establish its presence in space but also to contribute to it at the level of innovation and research.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful docking of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and training in emergency situations in space is an invaluable experience for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. It will serve as a strong foundation for India’s first human space mission.

Axiom-4 also showed that India has now entered commercial space flights as well. The agreement between Axiom-4 Space and Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace shows that India no longer wants to rely only on government resources, but is moving towards developing cheap and innovative solutions in collaboration with the private sector. This is a success story of self-reliance of Indian space policy and startup culture.

From a strategic point of view, AXIOM-4 is a symbol of growing cooperation between India and the US, especially under arrangements like ICET and Artemis Accords.

Through this mission, India strengthened the spirit of cooperation not only with the US but also with the global South-North. Along with India, astronauts from countries like Poland and Hungary also participated in this mission. It was a symbol of global inclusiveness and partnership.

This mission also boosts India’s “soft power”. When India’s name was associated with human space travel on news channels around the world, it was not just a technological victory but also a diplomatic one. India demonstrated that it has become a country not just sending satellites, but sending and cooperating humans into space.

The Axiom-4 mission has also given new confidence to India’s private space startups. Companies like Skyroot and Agnikul Cosmos are now moving towards global collaboration. This can prove to be an opening of new doors for investment, technical collaboration and scientific innovation for India.

Additionally, this mission has provided India with the necessary experience for Gaganyaan. Axiom-4 has been termed by experts as an “insurance policy”, which means that this mission gave India an opportunity to understand and control the risks that may arise in complex missions like Gaganyaan. Also, this experience will be helpful in building India’s future space station “Indian Space Station”.

It is also important that Shubhanshu Shukla received eight months of rigorous training at NASA, which has now given India a new standard in terms of astronaut training capabilities. In future, Indian astronauts can be trained at this level.

The Axiom-4 mission has given India a more effective voice in global forums such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. When a country undertakes human space flight, it begins to play a new role not only in science but also in global policy making.

The entire mission has proven that India is no longer just an observer, but a participant. The mission has proved to be a ‘lift-off moment’ for India – a moment when a nation takes flight not just in the field of technology, but also in confidence, strategy and global leadership.

It is now necessary that India builds on this achievement by integrating it with upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and long-term strategies in the space sector. From policy making to budget allocations and from space education to international collaborations—missions like Axiom-4 must be made part of India’s long-term space strategy.

Ultimately, Axiom-4 was not just a flight, it was a declaration of India’s scientific prowess, global participation and potential to become a future space superpower. India is no longer lagging behind in the space race, but is at the forefront.

(The author is a Research Scholar in Political Science. She is a Poet, freelance journalist and a columnist)

 

 

 

 

 

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