Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has launched into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission, marking a monumental achievement for India's space program and reigniting the nation's aspirations in human spaceflight after a gap of over four decades. The mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 12:01 PM IST.
Shukla's journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule not only signifies a personal triumph but also represents a crucial step forward for India's own crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, planned for 2027. He is the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma's mission aboard the Soviet Union's Salyut-7 space station in 1984. However, Shukla is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
The Axiom-4 mission is more than just a symbolic return to space for India; it is a significant scientific endeavor. As a member of the four-person international crew, Shukla will be instrumental in conducting around 60 scientific experiments during their approximately two-week stay on the ISS. These experiments span various disciplines, including studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body, microbial adaptation, muscle atrophy, and even crop resilience in the space environment. Seven of these experiments have been proposed by Indian researchers, highlighting ISRO's active involvement and commitment to advancing space research.
The crew of Axiom-4 is led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now the director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, with Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the mission's pilot. The team also includes mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Notably, the Axiom-4 mission marks the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation's first government-sponsored flight in over 40 years. This mission is the first time all three nations will execute a mission on board the ISS.
Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, was selected as part of India's astronaut corps in 2019 for the Gaganyaan mission. His current mission to the ISS provides invaluable experience and insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of India's independent crewed space program.
Prior to the launch, Shukla shared his sentiments, expressing that he carries "not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts." He also carried personal mementos, including Indian sweets to share with his crewmates, and a secret souvenir for his mentor, Rakesh Sharma.
The mission is a result of the Indo-US Axiom-4 mission, sometimes referred to as Mission Akash Ganga, was born out of the India-USA joint statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States in June 2023.. It underscores the strengthening collaboration between India and the United States in space exploration and technology.
As Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on this historic journey, his mission is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts across India, propelling the nation towards new heights in space exploration and solidifying its position as a major player in the global space arena.
