The highly anticipated launch of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed to June 10, 2025. The mission, a part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 program, was initially scheduled for May 29, then moved to June 8, before being pushed to the current date due to operational adjustments and ongoing quarantine protocols. The launch is now slated for 5:52 PM India time on June 10.
Shukla, who will serve as the pilot for the mission, is set to become the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to ever travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's historic mission in 1984. This mission marks a significant collaboration between NASA, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), and ESA (European Space Agency).
The Ax-4 crew includes veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as the mission commander, along with specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Both Uznanski-Wisniewski and Kapu will be embarking on their first flights to the ISS, representing their respective nations.
As part of standard safety protocol for all human spaceflight missions, the crew entered a two-week pre-launch quarantine at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 25. This "health stabilization" period ensures that astronauts are free from infectious diseases that could endanger the mission or the crew of the ISS. The astronauts are monitored daily, maintain strict hygiene, and have limited contact with those outside of their controlled environment.
During his 14-day mission, Shukla will conduct several experiments, including studies on space nutrition. ISRO has planned seven experiments for Shukla, in addition to five joint studies with NASA's human research program. These experiments include cultivating superfoods such as green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) in microgravity conditions, with the aim of enhancing life support for future missions. He also plans to expose the seeds to the macrobiotic conditions and bring them back to earth where they will be cultivated in plants over generations.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the significance of Shukla's scientific role, highlighting that his research will span physiological, cognitive, and physical responses in microgravity. Shukla will also study the impact of prolonged electronic display exposure and skeletal muscle dysfunction in zero gravity, testing potential therapeutic interventions.
Shukla expressed his enthusiasm for the mission, stating that he carries the "hopes and dreams of 1.4 billion Indians" and plans to conduct seven experiments that will "pave the way for microgravity signs" and "be a bridge between Earth and space." He also intends to take items from different parts of India to the ISS and hopes to serve Indian food to the astronauts in the orbital laboratory.
ISRO is investing ₹550 crore in the Axiom-4 mission, viewing it as a crucial stepping stone for the Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027. The experience gained on the Axiom Mission 4 will be invaluable for the future of Indian space exploration.
