Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History Today, Axiom-4 Mission Gets Green Signal
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is set to be part of a historic mission today. Under the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), he will become the first ISRO astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission will mark a golden chapter in India’s space journey and highlight the country’s expanding role in global space collaboration. SpaceX confirmed late Tuesday night that weather conditions are 90% favourable for launch, following which the mission received final approval.
The mission, a joint effort by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, is scheduled to launch today, 25 June 2025, at 12:01 PM IST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and its new Dragon spacecraft (C213) will carry four astronauts to the ISS. NASA stated that the spacecraft will dock with the ISS on Thursday, 26 June, at 4:30 PM IST.
Launch Site and Technical Preparations
Axiom Mission 4 will be launched from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center—the same pad from which Apollo 11 lifted off for the Moon in 1969. This time, it will elevate India’s space ambitions. The Falcon 9 rocket and the new Dragon spacecraft form the technical backbone of this mission. The Dragon spacecraft is on its maiden flight and is the final version of SpaceX’s fifth crewed Dragon.
The mission faced multiple challenges. Initially, poor weather caused delays, followed by a liquid oxygen leak issue in the Falcon 9 rocket. Additionally, a pressure anomaly in the transfer tunnel of the Zvezda Service Module, which is part of the Russian segment of the ISS, required repairs. After technical concurrence and issue resolution among NASA, SpaceX, and Russian space agency Roscosmos, the mission was cleared. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro stated, “NASA and Roscosmos share a long-standing tradition of collaboration. This professional partnership was crucial in advancing the Axiom Mission 4.”
Shubhanshu Shukla: Pride of India
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot on this mission. He is the first ISRO astronaut to set foot on NASA’s ISS. Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu completed his schooling at City Montessori School in Lucknow. He then joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006. He has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on aircraft such as the MiG, Sukhoi, Dornier, Jaguar, and Hawk.
Shubhanshu earned a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. His sister, Shuchi Mishra, told the BBC that his entry into the Air Force was by chance. At 17, his friend filled out the NDA form but was overage and ineligible. To avoid wasting the form, Shubhanshu applied and was selected—an opportunity that set him on the path to becoming an astronaut.
He is one of four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission. He underwent rigorous training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s astronaut training centre in Bengaluru. His participation in the Axiom-4 mission is a critical step in gaining the experience and expertise needed for the Gaganyaan mission.
International Team of Axiom Mission 4
Axiom Mission 4 includes four astronauts representing four different countries. The mission is commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and the Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. Peggy has twice commanded the ISS and has completed 10 spacewalks, spending hundreds of days in space.
The full team is as follows:
- Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission Commander: Former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space Director.
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot: ISRO astronaut and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.
- Slawos Uzanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist: ESA project astronaut.
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist: Part of Hungary’s HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) programme.
This mission marks a return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after 40 years. These countries had participated in Soviet-era Interkosmos missions during the 1980s. However, this is their first participation in an ISS-bound mission.
Scientific and Educational Objectives of the Mission
Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight mission operated by Axiom Space. It encompasses 60 scientific experiments and activities from 31 countries, including India, the USA, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, and the UAE. Astronauts will stay aboard the ISS for 14 days, conducting scientific research, educational demonstrations, and commercial activities.
ISRO has prepared seven experiments for this mission, developed by India’s national research labs and academic institutions. These include:
- Myogenesis: Study of muscle loss and regeneration in microgravity.
- Sprouts: Germination of moong and fenugreek seeds in microgravity.
- Space Microalgae: Study of growth and genetic changes in microalgae.
- Voyager Tardigrade: Study of tardigrades’ survival capability in space.
- Voyager Displays: Study of touchscreen devices and their psychological impact.
- Food and Nutrition: Study of medicinal food items like moong and fenugreek.
- Impact of Microgravity on Human Brain: Study of brain activity and cognitive risks.
In addition, NASA and ISRO will jointly conduct five more experiments crucial to human research and future long-duration space missions. Two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) demonstrations are also part of the mission to inspire students and youth in space science.
Historic for India
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission marks a historic moment in India’s space history. He becomes the second Indian to go to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first ISRO astronaut to set foot on the ISS. This mission is a vital stepping stone for India’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans to space aboard an indigenous spacecraft by 2026.
ISRO has invested ₹500 crore ($59 million) in this mission, covering Shubhanshu’s training and seat costs. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said, “This mission is a significant milestone for India’s space programme. It will help us in the Gaganyaan mission and the eventual development of an Indian space station.”
The mission also positions India as a strong player in the global commercial space sector. India’s participation in private spaceflight reflects not only its technological advancement but also a great example of international cooperation.
Global Collaboration
Axiom Mission 4 includes astronauts from India, the USA, Poland, and Hungary. This mission stems from an agreement between then US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020. NASA has stated that the mission supports its strategy to promote commercial activities in low-Earth orbit, allowing it to focus on its Artemis programme.
Live Streaming
The launch of Axiom Mission 4 will be livestreamed on the official channels of NASA TV, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. The launch is scheduled for 12:01 PM IST on 25 June 2025, and the docking will take place at 4:30 PM IST on 26 June. ISRO has also planned interactive sessions between Shubhanshu and Indian students to foster enthusiasm for space science.
Shubhanshu’s Personal Preparations
Shubhanshu began his intensive training for this mission in August 2024, covering physical, psychological, and technical aspects. He is carrying Indian food items like moong dal halwa, mango juice, and carrot halwa. He said, “I am carrying with me the hopes and dreams of a billion Indians.”
He also mentioned taking a symbol of Indian culture—a swan (hans)—with him to space, which represents the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom. “Taking the swan to space symbolises the pursuit of knowledge and peace,” he said.
