In a historic achievement for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on June 25, 2025, at 12:01 PM IST. This mission, called Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. Shukla is only the second Indian astronaut, following Rakesh Sharma, who flew to space in 1984.
The launch took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a site known for its rich history in space exploration. Shukla’s achievement is celebrated by people across India, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in space.
The Ax-4 mission, informally named ‘Akash Ganga,’ involves collaboration between several space agencies, including ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and the European Space Agency (ESA). Shukla, serving as the mission’s pilot, is accompanied by veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Hungary and Poland.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26. During their two-week stay, the crew will conduct scientific research and outreach initiatives aimed at advancing space technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials have praised the mission, viewing it as a significant step towards India’s aspirations in space. “This mission is more than a journey to the ISS; it’s a testament to India’s capabilities and ambition,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space.
Shukhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has been preparing for this moment for years. He was selected for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Gaganyaan mission, which is India’s first crewed space program. He trained rigorously at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.
The Ax-4 mission is a significant milestone not just for Shukla but for India’s space program. It symbolizes international cooperation in space exploration, allowing India to showcase its growing ambitions. The mission aims to conduct over 60 scientific experiments, with a mix of Indian and international contributions.
As Shukla embarks on this remarkable journey, he reflects on his childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, inspired by Rakesh Sharma. He has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to fly and plans to share his experiences in space, including practicing yoga, a nod to Sharma’s legacy.
The Falcon 9 rocket, which will carry the Crew Dragon, is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. It has been designed to facilitate repeated use, making space travel more accessible. The Dragon capsule is equipped with advanced life-support systems and can autonomously dock with the ISS. This technology is crucial for safely transporting astronauts and cargo.
As India celebrates this achievement, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS serves as an inspiration for future generations. It represents courage, excellence, and the spirit of collaboration in advancing human space exploration.
Leave a Reply