Indian astronauts selected for joint ISRO-NASA mission to International Space Station complete initial training 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (November 29, 2024) said that Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who have have been selected for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the initial phase of training.

“Towards the goal of accomplishing a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station, the two Gaganyatris (Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair) assigned for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) commenced their training in the U.S.A from first week of August, 2024. The initial phase of training has been completed successfully by the Gaganyatris,“ ISRO said. 

The space agency added that during this phase of training, the Gaganyatris have completed initial orientations for mission-related ground facility tours, initial overview of mission launch phases, SpaceX suit fit checks, and selected space food options.

Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla in the middle of a Medical Emergency Training. The Gaganyatris assigned for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) have completed initial orientations for mission-related ground facility tours, initial overview of mission launch phases, SpaceX suit fit checks, and selected space food options. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

“Furthermore, the training also included familiarisation sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station, including photography from space, daily operations routine, and communication protocols. One of the important highlights of this phase was training for various types of emergencies in space, including medical emergencies,” ISRO said.

It further said that upcoming training will primarily address the remaining modules of the U.S. Orbital Segment of the space station along with training towards conducting scientific research experiments in microgravity environment during the mission. In addition, the crew will train and perform different mission scenarios in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.