ISRO-ESA to Collaborate in Microgravity Research in the Upcoming Axiom-4 Mission

By R Anil Kumar

Bengaluru, January 25. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have announced a collaboration for microgravity research as part of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission.

This mission is particularly significant as it mark’s India’s first crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the pilot.

ISRO and ESA have entered into an agreement that focuses on astronaut training, mission implementation, and conducting research experiments in microgravity.

This partnership aims to facilitate joint scientific endeavours during the Axiom-4 mission, which is set to launch no earlier than autumn 2025.

Several microgravity experiments have been shortlisted for implementation during the mission. These include studies on the growth responses of cyanobacteria in microgravity and the impact of microgravity on food crop seeds. Currently, these experiments are undergoing evaluation to ensure safety in human spaceflight operations.

The collaboration is expected to enhance research opportunities in various fields, including human health, physical sciences, material sciences, and biotechnology. It aligns with ISRO’s broader goals under its Human Space Programme and the Gaganyaan initiative, which aims to support the Indian scientific community through international partnerships.

The Axiom-4 mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, alongside Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from ISRO, and two mission specialists from ESA—Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), engaging in scientific research and outreach activities.

The mission is planned to launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It represents a significant step in international cooperation for human spaceflight and aims to pave the way for future missions involving both ISRO and ESA.

This collaboration not only underscores the growing partnership between India and Europe in space exploration but also highlights the increasing role of private missions in advancing scientific research in microgravity environments.

ISRO-ESA collaboration in microgravity research in upcoming Axiom-4 Mission

Recently, ISRO and European Space Agency (ESA) have entered into an agreement to cooperate on activities related to Astronaut Training, Mission Implementation and Research Experiments. This agreement provides an opportunity for undertaking joint microgravity experiments.

In this regard, following microgravity research experiments by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) have been jointly shortlisted by ISRO & ESAfor implementation on International Space Station (ISS) during Axiom-4 mission.

Currently, these shortlisted microgravity experiments are under various phases of evaluation in view of safety driven operational philosophy of human spaceflight missions.

Further, ISRO & ESA will be jointly carrying out human research and other scientific/ technology demonstration experiments.

In addition to these, cooperation in microgravity research with other space agencies during Axiom-4 mission is also being actively pursued.

The field of microgravity research with potential applications in human health research, physical sciences, material sciences, novel pharmaceutical development and biotechnology offers significant opportunities to national scientific community.

Indian Human Space Programme, Gaganyaan aims to encourage and support Indian scientific community in microgravity research activities through flight opportunities in ISRO’s missions as well as joint international efforts.

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Pilot Axiom-4 Mission to International Space Station: NASA

NASA has approved the Axiom-4 mission, which will have India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as its pilot.

The mission, set for a 14-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS), will include three additional astronauts.

Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who currently serves as Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight, will command the mission.

Meanwhile, ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force officer, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will take on the role of pilot.

Whitson and Shukla will be accompanied by two European Space Agency (ESA) project astronauts—Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

“I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station. As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment,” Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Programme said.

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will carry the crew to the ISS.

Upon arrival, the private astronauts intend to spend around 14 days conducting experiments and other planned activities in the microgravity environment.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS.

A serving officer in the Indian Air Force, he has also been chosen as an astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan Mission.

“Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavour, but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork,” Peggy Whitson added.

Axiom Space previously launched its first private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 1, in April 2022, completing a 17-day stay at the ISS.

Axiom Mission 2, also commanded by Whitson, followed in May 2023 with a four-member crew of private astronauts.

Axiom-4 marks an important milestone in Indo-US space collaboration.

The mission was officially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States last year.

As part of their preparation, Group Captain Shukla and his backup, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, have undergone extensive training with international partners, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).