The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is scheduled to launch with a unique zero-gravity indicator: a plush baby swan named "Joy." This choice reflects the diverse backgrounds of the international crew, representing India, Poland, and Hungary.
The Ax-4 mission includes American commander Peggy Whitson, Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The swan will float inside the SpaceX Dragon capsule, signaling the crew's safe arrival in low Earth orbit.
"Joy" symbolizes the shared aspirations of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR). The swan represents wisdom, resilience, and grace, uniting the crew in their space exploration journey.
The tradition of using zero-g indicators dates back to Yuri Gagarin's first spaceflight in 1961. The Ax-4 crew chose "Joy" after being inspired by their children's interests, selecting a symbol that embodies cultural unity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Once at the International Space Station, "Joy" will join other zero-g indicators, such as a crocheted origami crane and an angel. The crew believes that a team with joy is a healthy team, and "Joy" represents trust, resilience, and friendship.
This marks the first time a swan has been used as a zero-g indicator, emphasizing the mission's goal of international collaboration and the shared human endeavor of space exploration. The presence of "Joy" highlights the cultural diversity and the spirit of unity among the crew members.