“Axiom-4 Mission heralds India’s ascent to Viksit Bharat".

This was the instant reaction of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, as he led the cheering audience in giving a standing ovation to Shubhanshu Shukla and other three astronauts when the real-time visuals of successful Axiom 4 launch flashed during the special live screening of the event at Bhatnagar Auditorium of Anusandhan Bhavan, here today.

In a historic and proud moment for India, the launch of the Axiom-4 Mission marks a giant leap in the country’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, remarked the Minister.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the Mission Pilot, is part of a four-member international crew heading to the International Space Station (ISS).

Dr Jitendra Singh said, “This is the realization of the dream of the founding father of India’s Space programme, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan—now being fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Dr. Jitendra Singh attributed this milestone to the bold reforms introduced by the Government under PM Modi, which have transformed India from a technology follower to an equal and respected global partner in space exploration.

Highlighting India’s contribution to the mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that Group Captain Shukla is carrying indigenously developed experiment kits, created by leading Indian institutions like IITs, IISc, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These kits will be used to conduct advanced experiments at the ISS.

“The biotech experiments aim to study the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on the growth of edible microalgae—a nutrient-dense, sustainable food source rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds, ideal for long-duration space missions,” the Minister stated.

These studies are expected to significantly contribute to future deep-space missions and the long-term sustainability of human presence in space, including India's much-awaited Gaganyaan mission.

The spacecraft is expected to dock at the ISS on June 26 at around 7 am EDT, i.e. 4.30 pm IST.

The launch event was telecast live at Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, and was attended by senior dignitaries including Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr. Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India, who had earlier called on Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Also present were Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, along with senior scientists and officials from various science departments and autonomous bodies.

The Axiom-4 Mission is not just a scientific feat but a testament to India’s rising stature as a global technology powerhouse. It reinforces the nation’s capability to lead space innovation, promote sustainability, and contribute meaningfully to global missions.

***

Ascent Press Release