India has become a beacon of inspiration in the global space community: Matt Ondler, President Axiom Space

By R Anil Kumar 

• “India’s journey through space is filled with incredible achievements”: Matt Ondler
• “From the successful Chandrayaan missions to the ambitious Gaganyaan project, India has become a beacon of inspiration in the global space community”: President Axiom Space

Houston, Texas, August 6. Axiom Space Announces Agreement to Send Indian Astronaut to International Space Station on Ax-4 Mission.

Axiom Space signed a historic spaceflight agreement (SFA) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announcing the intent to fly an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), said a Statement, released by Axiom Space.

The signing of this SFA represents a pivotal moment for both the United States and India, exemplifying a shared commitment to expanding collaboration and capabilities, fuelling invention and innovation, and inspiring a new generation of space explorers.

It is a strategic partnership, symbolizing the spirit of international cooperation in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the advancement of commercial space activities.

“India’s journey through space is filled with incredible achievements,” said Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space. “From the successful Chandrayaan missions to the ambitious Gaganyaan project, India has become a beacon of inspiration in the global space community.

“As space becomes a key arena for commercial and scientific efforts,” Ondler added. “India, with its rich history in space exploration and clear leadership in technology and entrepreneurship, will be crucial in shaping the domain and advancing humanity’s presence in space. We look forward to working together with ISRO on this next mission.”

The Indian astronaut selected to be a part of the Ax-4 crew will focus on scientific research and educational outreach while on orbit.

“Signing of the Space Flight Agreement is a significant milestone toward the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station, as envisioned in the India-USA Joint Statement during the Official State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States in June 2023,” according to an ISRO statement. “This joint mission will strengthen human spaceflight cooperation between ISRO and NASA and provide opportunities for the Indian scientific community to undertake cutting-edge research experiments on board the ISS.”

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, stated, “Through NASA’s efforts, we are opening space to more nations, more people, and more opportunities than ever before and look forward to welcoming the first ISRO astronaut to the International Space Station. The space station continues to serve as humanity’s home in microgravity where we are advancing human spaceflight, enabling science, and improving life on Earth for the benefit of humanity.”

The name of the Indian astronaut assigned to Ax-4 will be announced upon the astronaut’s arrival in Houston for initial training.

As Axiom Space continues to lead the way in commercial space exploration, its partnership with India underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to expand access to space for countries, institutions, industries, and individuals with innovative ideas fuelling an economy beyond Earth.