NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 mission launched at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday from Nasa‘s Kennedy Space Center towards the International Space Station. The mission, carrying India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, and Peggy Whitson, will transport the four Ax-4 private astronauts to low Earth orbit, with docking scheduled at the orbital outpost’s space-facing port on the Harmony module at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday for a fortnight of scientific research.Follow live updates: Axiom 4 Mission Live Updates: ‘Dragon’s hatch is closed’; crew is ready for launch

This means the journey from launch to docking will take roughly 28.5 to 29 hours. The crew will spend about two weeks docked at the ISS conducting scientific research and outreach activities during the mission.

Preparing for launch

The journey commences from Launch Complex 39A at Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the same site where Neil Armstrong began his historic Moon mission. The Ax-4 crew, dressed in specialised flight suits, arrive at the pad and enter the Dragon capsule “C213”. They perform pre-launch verifications with SpaceX and Nasa teams.

The Launch Director authorises fuelling approximately 35 minutes before departure, after activating the crew’s emergency escape mechanism. The Falcon-9 receives its supercooled liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene fuel. Dragon transitions to internal power with five minutes remaining. All systems require perfect synchronisation at countdown completion.Also read: Axiom-4 launch successful: Shubhanshu Shukla is 1st Indian in space in 40 years; will be first ever at ISS tomorrow

Ascent phase

At T-0, Falcon-9’s nine Merlin engines activate, propelling the vessel skyward. The craft exceeds sound speed within sixty seconds. The crucial “Max Q” phase occurs at 57 seconds, when the vehicle experiences peak aerodynamic stress.The vessel continues its precise trajectory towards low-Earth orbit (LEO), whilst the crew experiences intensifying gravitational forces.

Stage separation and orbital entry

After roughly 150 seconds, the first stage detaches and returns to Earth, aiming for an automated landing on an Atlantic Ocean platform. The second stage continues propelling Dragon towards orbit.Ten minutes post-launch, Dragon separates and begins independent flight. Its nose cone reveals essential navigation equipment. The craft achieves speeds exceeding 27,000 km/hr, completing Earth orbits every 90 minutes.

ISS approach

The subsequent 20-24 hours involve precise orbital adjustments. Dragon performs calculated engine burns to align with the ISS trajectory. The craft utilises GPS, radar and internal sensors for positioning.

Docking procedure

Dragon approaches systematically, pausing at designated waypoints from 400 metres inward. Ground control authorises each progression. At 20 metres, the craft’s laser sensors and cameras guide it towards the Harmony module’s docking port.The connection occurs in two phases: magnetic soft capture followed by mechanical hard capture, establishing an airtight seal.

Mission commencement

After thorough pressure and leak verification, the crew enters the ISS. The Ax-4 team begins their two-week scientific programme, including diabetes research. For Shukla, this achievement represents both personal success and India’s growing space presence.