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India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Soars to the Stars on June 10, 2025
On June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. EDT (5:52 p.m. IST), SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as its pilot. This historic mission, a collaboration between NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Axiom Space, marks India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades. Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), will join an international crew in a groundbreaking journey that underscores the power of global cooperation in space. Aboard the Crew Dragon capsule begins Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4)—the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
India’s Voice in Space
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a seasoned test pilot from the Indian Air Force and part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan astronaut cadre, will serve as the pilot. His role marks India’s first human return to space since 1984—and notably, the first Indian to reach the ISS ever. Shukla shared a stirring thought ahead of launch:
“Even stars are attainable — Jai Hind.”
The Axiom Mission 4 Crew and Objectives
Ax-4, launching at 8:22 AM EDT (5:52 PM IST) on June 10, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon C213 spacecraft, is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The multinational crew, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight, includes:
- Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA), a veteran astronaut with a record-breaking 665 days in space.
- Pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India), ISRO astronaut and IAF test pilot.
- Mission Specialist: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), ESA project astronaut and the second Polish astronaut since 1978.
- Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary), representing the Hungarian Space Office’s HUNOR program and the second Hungarian astronaut since 1980.
Mission Timeline & Operations
- Docking: Approximately June 11, at ~10 p.m. IST.
- Duration: Around 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research and tech demonstrations.
- Landing: Splashdown planned in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, using Crew Dragon’s parachute system.
The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, including seven designed by Indian institutions. These experiments focus on microgravity research, with significant implications for space exploration and Earth-based applications. Shukla and crew will focus on over 60 experiments including:
- Medical research: Studies like Suite Ride to understand glucose metabolism in space—key for diabetes insights.
- Biology & life sciences: Microalgae, seed germination (fenugreek/moong), muscle atrophy, and microbe behavior.
- Human factors: Cognitive behavior under microgravity, onboard yoga for astronaut well-being.
- Tech demos & outreach: Earth observation, structural materials tests, and inspiring global audiences.
These experiments aim to advance knowledge in space agriculture, biotechnology, and health sciences, benefiting both future space missions and terrestrial applications like farming and medical treatments.
A Collaborative Leap Forward
The Ax-4 mission is a landmark collaboration between NASA, ISRO, ESA, and Axiom Space, a Houston-based private spaceflight company. ISRO invested 5 billion rupees ($59 million) to secure Shukla’s seat and training, a strategic move to gain experience ahead of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send a three-member crew to a 400 km orbit for up to three days. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serves as Shukla’s backup, ensuring India’s readiness for any contingencies.
The mission, originally scheduled for May 29, 2025, was delayed to June 8 and then finalized for June 10 due to ISS flight schedule adjustments. The crew entered quarantine on May 25, 2025, to prepare for the launch, with Axiom Space employees giving them a heartfelt send-off.
Peggy Whitson praised the crew’s diversity and dedication, stating, “With a culturally diverse crew, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also fostering international collaboration.” This mission marks the first government-sponsored spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary in over 40 years, highlighting a new era of commercial space exploration.
Why This Mission Matters
Ax-4 is more than a spaceflight; it’s a symbol of global cooperation and innovation. For India, it represents a significant step toward becoming a space superpower, building on the success of missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. The experience Shukla gains will directly inform ISRO’s Gaganyaan program and future ambitions, including a lunar mission and an Indian space station by the 2030s.
For the global space community, Ax-4 underscores the growing role of private companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX in democratizing access to space. NASA’s Dana Weigel, ISS Program Manager, emphasized, “Private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment.” The mission’s 60+ experiments, involving countries from the U.S. to Nigeria, showcase the collaborative spirit driving scientific discovery.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Shukla’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for young Indians and space enthusiasts worldwide. His accidental entry into the IAF—filling out a National Defence Academy form for a friend—led to a remarkable career as a fighter pilot and now an astronaut. His sister, Shuchi Mishra, shared with the BBC that this “accidental” path has now placed him among the stars.
As Shukla prepares to pilot the Crew Dragon to the ISS, he carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. ISRO’s efforts to connect him with students during the mission will spark curiosity and drive innovation in space technology. The items he carries to represent Indian culture, curated with input from university students, will showcase the nation’s rich heritage in space.
Looking to the Stars
The launch of Axiom Mission 4 on June 10, 2025, is a historic moment for India and the global space community. As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla pilots the mission, he not only represents India’s aspirations but also embodies the spirit of international collaboration. This mission is a stepping stone toward a future where space exploration is accessible, innovative, and inclusive. Stay tuned for updates as Shukla and his crew make history aboard the ISS, advancing science and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.
Final Thoughts
Axiom Mission 4 is more than just another trip to space—it’s a symbol of the new era in space exploration, where private companies and nations like India play a crucial role. As Shubhanshu Shukla embarks toward the ISS, India’s stars in space shine brighter than ever. Jai Hind to a journey of exploration, discovery, and scientific unity!
