Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will wear specially designed Omega watches during his stay and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS), continuing a longstanding tradition in human spaceflight.
Axiom Space, the mission organizer, confirmed that the Ax-4 crew will carry Omega’s legendary timepieces, reinforcing the brand’s historic connection to space exploration. “As we prepare for the Ax-4 launch, we are proud to have Omega’s watches onboard once again, upholding a legacy that began over 60 years ago with NASA’s certification of the Speedmaster,” Axiom stated.
Omega’s Speedmaster has played a pivotal role in space history, being the only watch certified by NASA for all manned missions since 1965. Engineered to endure the extreme conditions of space—ranging from microgravity and intense temperature shifts to high shock levels and vacuum environments—these watches undergo rigorous testing to ensure their reliability.
For the Ax-4 mission, each astronaut, including Shukla, will receive two models: the X-33 Skywalker, worn inside the spacecraft, and the manual-winding Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which remains the preferred choice for extravehicular activities (EVA) for both NASA and Axiom astronauts.
This mission marks a significant milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary, as each country sends its first government-sponsored astronaut to the ISS in more than four decades. The crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments, highlighting a new era of international cooperation and advancing space research.
By equipping astronauts with Omega’s trusted timepieces, Axiom Space pays tribute to the legacy of early space explorers while ensuring precision and durability for the next generation venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
