The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a significant stride in space exploration by selecting two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to participate in a collaborative mission with NASA. These astronauts will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard NASA’s Axiom-4 mission, which will occur no earlier than October 2024.

The Axiom-4 mission is a joint effort between NASA and the private US company Axiom Space. It aims to dock with the ISS for a duration of fourteen days.

While the Indian astronauts have received general space training in India, they will now undergo specific training related to ISS modules and protocols in the United States. This training will prepare them for their mission aboard the ISS.

Axiom-4 is NASA’s fourth private astronaut mission, and SpaceX serves as the launch provider for transportation to and from the space station. The private astronauts will also familiarize themselves with systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the Dragon spacecraft.

India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, is still in progress. The first unmanned flight is yet to take off, and the first crewed mission will follow after two successful unmanned flights.

The collaboration between ISRO and NASA represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s space ambitions and fostering international cooperation in space exploration.