The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 25, 2025
“Axiom-4 Mission heralds India’s ascent to Viksit Bharat.” This was the emphatic declaration of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, as he led a rousing standing ovation during a live telecast of the Axiom-4 launch at the Bhatnagar Auditorium, Anusandhan Bhavan, in New Delhi on Wenesday.
The moment marked a defining chapter in India’s space journey, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — serving as Mission Pilot — joining a four-member international crew en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Singh called it a “historic and proud moment” that symbolizes a giant leap in the country’s march toward becoming a Viksit Bharat.
Calling the mission the realization of a dream seeded by space pioneers Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, the Minister praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in transformative space reforms. “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,” he said.
He emphasized that India is no longer just a participant but a key contributor in global space exploration. “The bold reforms introduced by the Government under PM Modi have transformed India from a technology follower to an equal and respected global partner in space exploration,” Dr. Singh noted.
Highlighting India’s scientific contribution to the mission, Dr. Singh revealed that Group Captain Shukla is carrying advanced, indigenously developed experiment kits designed by IITs, IISc, and the Department of Biotechnology. These kits will facilitate pioneering studies aboard the ISS, particularly in biotechnology.
“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 will pave the way for breakthroughs in future deep-space missions and support the long-term sustainability of human life in space—critical to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
The Axiom-4 spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on June 26 at approximately 7:00 am EDT (4:30 pm IST).
The live viewing event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (DG, CSIR), Dr. M. Ravichandran (Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences), and top scientists and officials from various scientific departments.
The Axiom-4 Mission is more than a space endeavour — it is a powerful statement of India’s ascent as a global technology leader, a promoter of sustainability, and a frontrunner in scientific innovation.
