Why India,ISRO Spent Rs.548 for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station
Know Why India,ISRO Spent Rs.548 for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station
The Indian government, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), paid approximately ₹548 crore (around $65 million) for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station. This amount covered his seat on the mission, astronaut training, mission logistics, and support for scientific research.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) invested approximately ₹548 crore in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS).
This expenditure, while significant, was a strategic move to bolster India's human spaceflight capabilities, particularly for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, and yielded critical learnings.
Below is an explanation of why ISRO spent this amount and the key outcomes from the mission.
Why ISRO Spent ₹548 CroreThe ₹548 crore covered Shukla’s seat on the Ax-4 mission, astronaut training, mission logistics, and support for scientific experiments.
The expenditure was justified for the following reasons:
Preparation for Gaganyaan Mission: The Gaganyaan program, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission planned for 2026, aims to send three astronauts to a 400-km orbit for three days.
Ax-4 provided real-world experience that simulations cannot replicate, helping ISRO refine safety protocols, mission planning, and operational procedures.
The mission reduced the need for additional unmanned test flights, which would have been costlier, thus optimizing the Gaganyaan budget of ₹20,193 crore
International Collaboration:
Ax-4, a joint effort with NASA, Axiom Space, and the European Space Agency (ESA), strengthened India’s global partnerships.
This collaboration provided access to advanced technologies, safety standards, and mission expertise, critical for Gaganyaan and future projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
Scientific Research:
The mission enabled ISRO to conduct experiments in microgravity, contributing to scientific knowledge and technological advancements for long-duration space missions.
These experiments also have potential applications on Earth, such as in healthcare and agriculture.
Inspiration and Public Engagement:
Shukla’s mission, the first Indian government-sponsored spaceflight since 1984, inspired the next generation of scientists and engineers.
His live interactions with students from the ISS boosted interest in space technology.
Strategic Investment in Space Economy:
The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. India’s investment in Ax-4 positions it to capture a larger share of this market, fostering economic growth, research opportunities, and international collaborations.
What ISRO Learned from the MissionShukla’s 14-day mission on the ISS provided ISRO with invaluable insights and practical experience, directly benefiting the Gaganyaan program and future endeavors:
Real-World Spaceflight Experience:
Shukla, as mission pilot, gained hands-on experience in spacecraft operations, including navigation, communication, and emergency handling.
This practical knowledge is crucial for identifying minor flaws and improving Gaganyaan’s crew module and mission protocols.
He learned to manage microgravity challenges, such as performing tasks in low-gravity environments, which will inform astronaut training and mission planning.
Crew-Ground Coordination and Safety Protocols:
The mission provided insights into real-time health telemetry, medical and psychological preparation, and international crew integration.
These are essential for ensuring astronaut safety and mission success in Gaganyaan.
ISRO’s decision to delay the Ax-4 launch due to a detected leak and crack in the Falcon 9 rocket demonstrated its commitment to rigorous safety standards, a practice that will strengthen Gaganyaan’s safety protocols
Scientific Experimentation in Microgravity:
Shukla conducted seven ISRO-led experiments, including:Space Microalgae: Studied cyanobacteria growth in microgravity to develop life support systems for future missions.
Myogenesis:
Investigated muscle regeneration under microgravity, with potential applications for treating muscle-related diseases on Earth.
Sprouts:
Examined the germination and growth of greengram and fenugreek seeds, informing food production for long-duration missions.
Voyager Tardigrade:
Analyzed tardigrade survival in space, identifying molecular mechanisms for resilience in extreme environments.
Voyager Displays:
Studied human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity, improving spacecraft control systems.
Food Crop Seeds:
Assessed the impact of microgravity on crop seed growth, supporting space agriculture.
These experiments provided data to enhance spacecraft life support, nutrition, and health systems, directly applicable to Gaganyaan and the planned Indian space station
ISS Operations and Infrastructure Insights:
Shukla’s time on the ISS offered a firsthand understanding of space station operations, which will guide ISRO’s development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
This includes insights into station upkeep, experiment execution, and crew coordination.
Emergency and Health Management:
Shukla’s training and mission experience included handling emergencies and monitoring health in space. Post-mission, he underwent a seven-day rehabilitation program to adapt back to Earth’s gravity, providing ISRO with data on post-flight recovery protocols.
Validation of Training and Systems:
The mission validated ISRO’s astronaut training, developed in collaboration with NASA and Russia, covering physical, psychological, and technical preparation.
This ensures Gaganyaan astronauts are well-prepared for real spaceflight conditions
ISRO’s ₹548 crore investment in Ax-4 was a strategic step to advance India’s human spaceflight capabilities.
The mission provided practical experience, scientific data, and international collaboration insights, all of which are critical for the success of Gaganyaan and future projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. By leveraging Shukla’s mission, ISRO has enhanced astronaut preparedness, safety protocols, and technological capabilities, positioning India as a key player in the global space economy
