History was made on June 25, 2025, when Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla soared into space aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), becoming the second Indian astronaut to visit space and the first to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, executed by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, also serves as a crucial stepping stone for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
The launch was not just a technological triumph—it was a moment of national pride, emotion, and global cooperation.
Mission Overview
- Launch Date: June 25, 2025
- Time: 12:01 PM IST
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Launch Complex 39A, Florida
- Docking with ISS: Expected June 26, around 4:30 PM IST
- Mission Duration: ~14 days on the ISS
Shukla was part of a four-member international crew, led by the seasoned NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The other two members included astronauts from Poland and Hungary, marking several “firsts” in spaceflight history.
Meet the Ax-4 Crew
- Peggy Whitson (USA): Commander, NASA veteran
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India): Pilot, IAF officer and ISRO astronaut
- Sławosz Uznański (Poland): Mission Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary): Mission Specialist
Together, this diverse team represents not only technical excellence but also the spirit of global cooperation in space science.
Science, Research & Innovation
What sets Ax-4 apart is the high-impact research agenda the crew carries to orbit. Shubhanshu Shukla plays a pivotal role in executing experiments that push boundaries in multiple fields.
Key Experiments Led by Shukla:
- Space Farming:
- Growing Indian crops like methi, moong daal, and microalgae in microgravity.
- Pioneering sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions.
- Muscle Health:
- Studying muscle cell growth (myogenesis) to address muscle loss in astronauts.
- Tardigrade Resilience Studies:
- Investigating how tardigrades survive extreme radiation and microgravity—valuable for future deep-space exploration.
- Biomedical Advances:
- Observing the behavior of diabetes and cancer-related cells in space.
- Could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and diagnostics.
- Human-Tech Interaction:
- Testing how prolonged screen use affects astronauts in confined environments.
These studies not only advance space science but also directly contribute to India’s planning for Gaganyaan—its first independent crewed mission scheduled for 2027.
A Giant Leap for Indian Spaceflight
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS rekindles the spirit of Rakesh Sharma’s legendary 1984 flight, with a new twist: this time, the mission has a clear roadmap toward India’s self-reliant space future.
Significance for India:
- Training Ground for Gaganyaan:
Shukla’s real-time experience aboard ISS is invaluable in shaping India’s upcoming indigenous missions. - Global Prestige:
This mission places India among the top countries engaging in commercial space collaboration. - Inspiration for Generations:
Millions of young Indians now see space not just as a dream—but as a possible destination.
“I carry the Indian tricolour with me… I am here with all of you,” said Shukla moments after reaching orbit.
A Nation’s Emotions Take Flight
As the Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky, Shubhanshu’s family watched from Lucknow, overwhelmed with pride and prayers. His mother performed traditional rituals, blessing her son for a safe journey and return.
This personal story adds a deeply emotional layer to a mission otherwise defined by science and technology.
Launch Day Drama & Precision
Originally scheduled for June 19, the Ax-4 launch saw several postponements due to technical issues and unfavorable weather. After multiple reviews, NASA and Axiom gave the final go-ahead for a June 25 launch. The skies cooperated with 90% favorable weather conditions, and the mission lifted off flawlessly.
What Happens Next?
- Docking with ISS: June 26, 2025 (around 4:30 PM IST)
- Experiment Execution: ~60 experiments from over 30 countries
- Return to Earth: After approximately 14 days in space
- Data Analysis: Key findings to be shared with ISRO and international partners
The Axiom-4 mission is not just a scientific endeavor—it is a turning point in India’s human spaceflight journey. Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful voyage sends a clear message to the world: India is ready for space.
This mission bridges our nation’s proud past with its ambitious future—fuelled by dreams, backed by science, and propelled by the stars.
Final Words from Orbit
In a live transmission, Shukla said:
“Greetings, my fellow countrymen… We are orbiting Earth at 7.5 kilometers per second… This is the beginning of India’s human spaceflight program.”
