SpaceX's Dragon Capsule is a state-of-the-art spacecraft that has revolutionized space travel by making it more accessible and affordable. It safely returned NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) in March 2025. Now, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will embark on a journey to the ISS in this very capsule on June 8, 2025.
Source: aajtak
What is the Dragon Capsule?
The Dragon Capsule, designed by SpaceX, is a reusable space vehicle available in two variants...
Crew Dragon: Transports astronauts to the ISS.
Cargo Dragon: Delivers scientific equipment and supplies.
Shubhanshu Shukla will be boarding the Crew Dragon under the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) initiative. This is the same capsule that once brought Sunita Williams back to Earth.
Read more: Ax-4 Mission launching on June 8... Shubhanshu Shukla to be the first Indian to reach the space station
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Key Features of the Dragon Capsule
Reusable: Crew Dragon is designed for use up to 15 missions, reducing costs significantly.
Automated Docking: It can autonomously dock with the ISS, ensuring a safe and simplified mission.
SuperDraco Engines: Equipped with 8 engines that can extract the capsule from the rocket during emergencies, landing it safely in the ocean using parachutes.
Solar Panels: Located in the trunk section, these panels generate electricity.
Capacity: Crew Dragon can transport up to 7 astronauts, though it usually flies with 4. It also carries 6000 kg of cargo.
Safety: Features advanced cooling systems and special space suits to protect against low pressure.
Control Panel: Boasts three touchscreen displays, aiding astronauts in operating the spacecraft.
Dimensions: The capsule stands 8.1 meters tall with a diameter of 4 meters.
Source: aajtak
Shubhanshu Shukla's Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot for the Ax-4 mission. The mission is set to launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on June 8, 2025. He will stay at the ISS for 14 days, conducting 7-9 scientific experiments that cover agriculture, nutrition, and human biology. Accompanying him will be NASA's former astronaut Peggy Whitson (Commander), Poland's Slawos Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Hungary's Tibor Kámpo.
According to ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, the mission's estimated cost is around 550 crores INR. Each Crew Dragon seat is priced between $55-88 million (450-720 crore INR). Shubhanshu has undergone training with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Japanese Space Agency. He has also completed suit fitting and pressure tests at SpaceX headquarters.
He will conduct India-centric experiments such as the germination of mung beans and fenugreek, carry Indian cultural artifacts, and practice yoga in space. This mission will provide valuable insights for India's Gaganyaan mission. Shubhanshu will be the first Indian to live and work on the ISS.
Read more: How will Shubhanshu Shukla complete the AX-4 Mission to the Space Station? Who else is going? Discover the full story
Source: aajtak
The History and Achievements of the Dragon Capsule
First Flight:
Dragon 1 made its maiden voyage in 2010 and docked with the ISS in 2012 for cargo missions.
Crew Dragon Launch:
In 2020, Crew Dragon successfully transported two astronauts to the ISS during the Demo-2 mission, marking NASA's first private human mission.
Sunita Williams' Mission:
In March 2025, Crew Dragon returned Sunita Williams and others from the ISS following Boeing's Starliner failure.
Mission Count:
From 2020 to 2025, Crew Dragon completed over 10 human missions alongside multiple cargo missions, proving more reliable than the Boeing Starliner.
Launch Vehicle:
The Dragon is launched by the Falcon 9 rocket, which generates 7.6 million pounds of thrust using 27 Merlin engines.
Read more: Ax-4 Mission: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in Quarantine — What's the Full Process Before Heading to the Space Station?
Source: aajtak
Facts and Figures
Launch Date: Ax-4 Mission to be launched on June 8, 2025.
Mission Cost: ₹550 crore (total), ₹450-720 crore per seat.
Number of Passengers: 4 (in the Ax-4 mission).
Time on ISS: 14 days.
Number of Experiments: 7-9, including India-centric studies.
Capsule Weight: Approximately 12 tons (including trunk).
Solar Panels: 2, producing 4 kilowatts of power.
Safety Record: No major incidents since 2020.
Read more: SpaceX Dragon: What is the Dragon Capsule Bringing Sunita Williams Back to Earth?
Technical Features of the Dragon
Heat Shield:
Equipped with a PICA-X heat shield that withstands temperatures up to 1,900 degrees Celsius during Earth reentry.
Parachute System:
Four Mark 3 parachutes ensure a safe ocean landing.
Emergency System:
SuperDraco engines can activate in 0.2 seconds, enhancing launch safety.
Life-Support System:
Includes oxygen and life-support equipment for up to 48 hours.
Source: aajtak
Significance for India
Shubhanshu's Mission: Historic for India's space program. He will be the first Indian to reside on the ISS.
Preparation for Gaganyaan: This mission offers insights for the 2026 Gaganyaan mission, where India will send astronauts in its spacecraft.
Scientific Contribution: Experiments like mung bean germination will explore agricultural potential in space.
SpaceX's Dragon Capsule, with its reusability, automated docking, and advanced safety features, is driving a revolution in space travel. Having safely returned Sunita Williams, it will now transport Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS. With an investment of 550 crore INR, this mission symbolizes India's soaring space ambitions. The Dragon Capsule represents not just a technological marvel, but a proud moment for India.
