During the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) countdown to launch press conference, today the crew introduced "Joy," a plush baby swan symbolizing grace and elegance. This zero-g indicator is more than a cute companion for the Ax-4 crew; it will be used as an indicator by the crew, shortly after launch, as a physical confirmation that they have transitioned to microgravity.
Joy, the baby swan, embodies the shared pursuit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR) to soar high above our home planet. In this way, Joy represents cultural unity as three nations realize the return to human spaceflight, together as one crew.
The Universal Symbolism of the Swan
The swan, known for its grace and elegance, carries allegorical meanings across cultures. In India, it symbolizes wisdom and purity, representing the pursuit of truth. In Poland, the swan stands for purity, loyalty, and resilience, while in Hungary, it epitomizes loyalty, grace, and the beauty of nature. By choosing a swan as the zero-g indicator, the Ax-4 crew celebrates the diversity of their cultures, united in the shared human experience of space exploration.
Follow the Journey
Join us in celebrating the role of "Joy" on this extraordinary journey to the International Space Station.
Follow along for mission updates with #Ax4 on , Instagram, and Facebook, and on our website.
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