On June 25, 2025, India achieved a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished Indian Air Force pilot, embarked on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). Marking his place as the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight, Shukla’s mission symbolizes India’s growing prominence in global space exploration.

Axiom Mission 4: A Global Collaboration

Axiom Mission 4, a joint venture between Axiom Space, NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. After a 28-hour journey, the spacecraft docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025. The mission, led by Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), includes Shukla as the mission pilot, joined by mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Over the course of their 14-day stay, the crew is conducting a range of scientific experiments in the unique microgravity environment of the ISS.

Shukla’s Contributions and India’s Scientific Ambitions

As mission pilot, Shukla leverages his extensive experience as a test pilot, with over 2,000 hours of flight time, to contribute to the mission’s success. Selected through a 2024 agreement between ISRO and Axiom Space, Shukla is spearheading seven of the mission’s 60+ experiments. These Indian-led studies focus on:

• Muscle health in space: Investigating how microgravity affects human physiology.
• Biological and manufacturing research: Exploring innovative production methods and biological responses in space.
• Tardigrade resilience: Studying how these microscopic organisms adapt to space conditions, offering insights for future missions.

These experiments are pivotal for ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed spaceflight, slated for 2027, and contribute to global scientific knowledge.

A Proud Moment for India

Shukla’s mission is a landmark for India’s space program. On the ISS, he hoisted the Indian flag, a powerful symbol of national pride. His journey reflects India’s aspirations to become a leader in human spaceflight, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding it as a “significant step toward a developed India by 2047.” The mission provides critical experience for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send three astronauts to low Earth orbit, and supports India’s long-term goals of establishing a space station by 2035 and landing on the Moon by 2040.

Shukla’s Path to the Stars

Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla’s journey to Ax-4 began with his career as an Indian Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot. Selected alongside Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (the backup astronaut), Shukla underwent intensive training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Axiom Space facilities. The training covered spacecraft operations, microgravity experiment protocols, and ISS systems, preparing him for the complexities of this mission.

This international collaboration underscores the growing partnerships in space exploration. For India, Ax-4 is a stepping stone toward greater involvement in global initiatives, potentially including NASA’s Artemis program and the Lunar Gateway project.

A Vision for the Future

As Shukla conducts experiments in orbit, his work is paving the way for India’s future in space. The insights gained from Ax-4 will inform ISRO’s preparations for Gaganyaan and beyond, while contributing to humanity’s understanding of life in space. Shukla’s mission is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration for millions of young Indians, igniting dreams of exploring the cosmos.

With Shubhanshu Shukla orbiting Earth, India is taking bold steps toward a future where it plays a central role in the global space community, reaching for the stars with determination and pride.