Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in the annals of Indian space history, embarking on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, which took place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marks India's return to human spaceflight after a hiatus of 41 years. Shukla's journey is not just a personal milestone but also a significant step forward for India's burgeoning space program.
Shortly after the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft soared into orbit, Group Captain Shukla delivered an emotional message to his fellow countrymen. Speaking in Hindi, he conveyed his excitement and pride, stating that the mission signifies the beginning of India's human space program. He emphasized the historic nature of the flight, carrying the Indian flag, the 'Tiranga,' on his shoulder as a symbol of his connection to the 1.4 billion people of India. He is only the second Indian to ever travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
The Ax-4 mission is a collaborative effort, with Shukla serving as the pilot alongside former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who commands the mission, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The mission is expected to last approximately 14 days, during which the crew will conduct over 60 scientific studies from 31 countries. India's contribution includes experiments in partnership with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), focusing on areas such as muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, and the effects of microgravity on the human body.
Shukla's journey to space began with rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously unveiled Shukla as one of the astronauts undergoing training for India's Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027.
The docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the ISS is scheduled for today, June 26, at approximately 4:30 PM IST. As the mission pilot, Shukla will play a critical role in monitoring the trajectory, orbital parameters, and movement of the space station during the docking procedure. Once successfully docked, the crew will commence their scientific investigations, with Shukla personally involved in around seven experiments.
Shukla's mission has been met with widespread celebration across India. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the launch, stating that Shukla carries the hopes and aspirations of the nation. In Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, his parents joined students to watch the launch, expressing their joy and pride.
The Axiom-4 mission holds significant implications for India's space program. It provides valuable insights into human spaceflight operations, which will be crucial for the success of the Gaganyaan mission. Furthermore, it signifies India's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
The mission also marks a historic moment for Poland and Hungary, as they join India in sending astronauts to space for the first time in nearly half a century. The Axiom-4 mission also marks the debut of SpaceX's fifth Crew Dragon vehicle, named 'Grace'.
