### Historic Space Mission: India, Poland, and Hungary Launch Astronauts to the ISS In a groundbreaking achievement, astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time in over 40 years. This mission, known as Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marks a significant milestone in international space exploration, showcasing the growing collaboration between nations in the field of space science. The crew, consisting of four astronauts, will spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting approximately 60 experiments that aim to advance scientific knowledge and foster international cooperation in space research [https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/spaceship-carrying-astronauts-from-india-poland-hungary-docks-with-iss-2-1.500177898]. ### Overview of the Mission's Structure and Objectives 1. **Mission Launch and Crew Composition** - The Ax-4 mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, 2025, using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/06/26/spaceship-carrying-astronauts-from-india-poland-hungary-docks-with-iss]. - The crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking their countries' first participation in a space mission in decades [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/international-space-station-welcomes-its-first-20395040.php]. 2. **Scientific Goals and Experiments** - The astronauts will conduct around 60 experiments during their two-week stay, focusing on various scientific fields, including biology, physics, and materials science [https://www.ibtimes.com/spaceship-carrying-astronauts-india-poland-hungary-docks-iss-3776899]. - This mission aims to enhance understanding of space environments and their effects on different materials and biological systems [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/26/world/astronauts-india-poland-hungary-space]. 3. **Significance of the Mission** - This mission is particularly notable as it represents a resurgence of space exploration efforts from India, Poland, and Hungary, countries that have not sent astronauts into space for over 40 years [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/26/international-space-station-welcomes-1st-astronauts-india-poland]. - The collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing space exploration and scientific research [https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/astronauts-india-poland-hungary-launched-first-space-station-mission-2025-06-25]. ### Supporting Data and Evidence - **Mission Timeline** - Launch Date: June 25, 2025 - Docking with ISS: June 26, 2025 - Duration of Stay: 14 days - Number of Experiments: Approximately 60 - **Crew Composition** - Astronauts from: - India - Poland - Hungary - United States (Commander: Peggy Whitson) [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-25/astronauts-from-india-poland-and-hungary-blast-off-on-a-privately-funded-trip-to-the-space-station]. ### Conclusion: A New Era of International Space Collaboration The successful docking of the Ax-4 mission at the ISS signifies a **new era of international collaboration in space exploration**. This mission not only highlights the capabilities of India, Poland, and Hungary in contributing to space science but also emphasizes the importance of global partnerships in addressing complex scientific challenges. 1. **Historic Achievement**: First astronauts from these nations in decades. 2. **Scientific Endeavors**: Conducting 60 experiments to advance knowledge. 3. **Future Implications**: Strengthening international cooperation in space exploration. This mission sets a precedent for future collaborations and inspires a new generation of scientists and astronauts from these countries [https://www.fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/spaceship-carrying-astronauts-from-india-poland-hungary-docks-with-iss/article_d1c02724-2bdb-5fbe-908c-878580b423e0.html].
