Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission marks a momentous occasion for India, reigniting the nation's human spaceflight program after a 41-year hiatus. The mission, which launched on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has been described as an "amazing ride" by Shukla himself.
Shukla's journey is not merely a personal achievement but a symbol of India's renewed ambitions in space exploration. As he donned a flight suit adorned with the Indian tricolor, Shukla conveyed an emotional message to his fellow countrymen, emphasizing that this mission is the beginning of India's human spaceflight journey. He expressed hope that every citizen would join in this new chapter together.
The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Shukla alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary's Tibor Kapu, faced minor glitches involving wind data upload, but the launch eventually occurred at 12:01 PM IST. Approximately ten minutes after liftoff, the Dragon capsule successfully entered orbit, circling the Earth at 7.5 kilometers per second at an altitude of 200 kilometers.
"It was a great ride," Shukla remarked from space shortly after the spacecraft was confirmed to be in stable orbit. Speaking in Hindi, he added, "Namaskar, my dear countrymen; we have reached space after 41 years." His words resonated across the nation, evoking a sense of pride and inspiration.
Shukla's participation in the Axiom-4 mission is expected to play a vital role in supporting ISRO's ambitious human spaceflight plans, including the Gaganyaan mission by 2027 and the launch of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035. This mission holds significant symbolic and strategic importance for India's human spaceflight ambitions. The 14-day mission will involve conducting over 60 research experiments focusing on human physiology, space technology, and Earth observation.
The selection process for the Axiom-4 mission was rigorous, involving months of evaluations, medical screenings, survival training, and simulations to test the candidates' ability to handle spacecraft malfunctions. Shukla's exceptional endurance, composure under pressure, and ability to work in multinational teams made him stand out among other highly qualified contenders.
Shukla's journey to space has been a source of inspiration for millions across India. His school, City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, organized a "public watch party" to celebrate his spaceflight, with proud parents and the school community watching the live launch with teary eyes and hopeful hearts. The mission aims to inspire innovation and rekindle national pride in space exploration. As Shukla embarks on this historic mission, he carries the hopes and dreams of a nation, ready to explore the final frontier and push the boundaries of human achievement.
