The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) today, June 26, 2025, marking a momentous occasion for India's space program. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, docked autonomously to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module at approximately 7:00 AM EST (4:30 PM IST).
Shukla, the mission's pilot, played a crucial role in monitoring the trajectory, orbital parameters, and movement of the space station as the Dragon spacecraft prepared to dock. His responsibilities highlighted the critical expertise he brings to the mission, a testament to his training and skills.
The Axiom-4 mission, organized by Texas-based startup Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, faced numerous delays before its eventual launch. These setbacks ranged from inclement weather to technical issues, including leaks detected on SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket and within the Russian module of the ISS. Repair work was carried out ahead of the Axiom-4 mission, showcasing the collaborative efforts of international space agencies.
The mission's successful launch and docking were met with widespread celebration in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla and the other astronauts, acknowledging Shukla as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. The Union Cabinet also passed a resolution welcoming the successful launch, emphasizing the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians that Shukla carries with him. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed the nation's pride in Shukla's achievement, recognizing the mission as a significant milestone in space exploration.
Shukla, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter wing in June 2006 and became Group Captain in March 2024. He has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar. He also holds an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
The Axiom-4 crew, including Commander Peggy Whitson from the US, Mission Specialist Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, will spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS. During their time on the station, they will conduct around 60 experiments related to microgravity. Shukla is scheduled to perform approximately seven of these experiments.
NASA and ISRO are collaborating on five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations as part of this mission. This collaboration underscores the strong relationship between the two space agencies, built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space exploration.
The Dragon spacecraft being used for this mission has a proven track record, with 52 spaceflights to date, including 17 human spaceflight missions transporting 66 astronauts from 17 countries to space.
Shukla's journey marks India's return to space after 40 years, following Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984. His mission is expected to inspire a new generation in India to pursue careers in science and technology.
