Ax-4 Launches Multinational Crew, Shukla to ISS

The Axiom Space Ax-4 mission is scheduled to launch on June 10 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second to travel to space since 1984. Shukla will pilot the mission alongside commander Peggy Whitson, Tibor Kapu of Hungary, and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, marking a milestone in international cooperation. The crew will spend two weeks on the ISS, conducting approximately 60 scientific experiments, including Indian-led research on microgravity’s effects on traditional crops and human adaptation. This mission is the first government-sponsored ISS flight in over 40 years for India, Poland, and Hungary. The crew’s zero-gravity indicator is a plush swan named 'Joy,' symbolizing shared cultural values. Commander Whitson highlighted the importance of integrating commercial and government space programs for future achievements.