In a historic milestone for India’s space exploration journey, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The launch, part of Axiom Space’s fourth private space mission (Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4), lifted off successfully from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, 2025.

This landmark event comes after months of planning, coordination between NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and ISRO, and multiple delays. Shubhanshu Shukla’s inclusion in this international mission also marks India’s re-entry into human spaceflight after over four decades, with preparations underway for the indigenous Gaganyaan mission later this year.

The Crew of Axiom-4: International Collaboration in Orbit

Commanded by Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut and now Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, the Ax-4 crew includes:

• Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot

• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA) – Mission Specialist

• Tibor Kapu (Hungary, HUNOR Program) – Mission Specialist

The Ax-4 mission not only celebrates India’s achievements but also signifies Poland and Hungary’s return to human spaceflight after nearly 44 years.

Shubhanshu Shukla: The Man Behind the Milestone

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, affectionately known by his call sign ‘Shux’, has served in the Indian Air Force since 2006 and has logged over 2,000 flying hours across multiple aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, and Dornier. In 2019, he was selected for astronaut training by ISRO, undergoing rigorous sessions at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.

On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced Shukla as one of the astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan mission. His participation in Axiom-4 is a preparatory mission and symbolic representation of India's growing space capabilities.

Scientific Agenda: 60 Experiments and the Promise of Space Science

The Axiom-4 mission is not merely symbolic. The crew will conduct 60 experiments over 14 days aboard the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla will lead and participate in several crucial studies, including:

• Tardigrade research: Exploring survival mechanisms of extremophiles in space, with implications for cancer research and long-term space missions.

• Human physiological studies: Investigating muscle degradation, cognitive function, and vision changes in microgravity.

• Display interface and light exposure studies: Studying the effects of prolonged exposure to electronic displays in low-gravity environments.

• Revival and reproduction of microorganisms: Aiding development of life-support systems for the Bharat Antariksh Station.

ISRO’s Cultural Touch: Indian Cuisine in Orbit

To make Shukla’s stay aboard the ISS more comfortable, ISRO and DRDO collaborated with NASA to provide Indian space cuisine including:

• Aam Ras

• Moong Dal Halwa

• Gajar Halwa

• Rice-based meals

These dishes, initially developed for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, represent India's culinary identity in space.

Emotional Ground Support: Family's Reactions

The launch triggered a wave of emotion across India, especially in Shukla’s hometown of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:

• Father Shambhu Dayal Shukla expressed pride and joy, calling it a moment of national pride.

• Mother Asha Shukla credited her daughter-in-law's support in her son’s achievements.

• Sisters Shuchi and Nidhi Mishra shared their excitement and emotional responses, praising his hard work, values, and humility.

Symbol of Unity: Soft Toy ‘Joy’ Flies Along

The Ax-4 crew also carried a zero-gravity indicator—a plush baby swan named ‘Joy’, representing:

• Grace and purity (India)

• Loyalty and resilience (Poland)

• Elegance and nature (Hungary)

The symbolic inclusion reflects the shared spirit of international unity in the exploration of space.

‘Suite Ride’ for Medical Discovery

Among other groundbreaking experiments, the ‘Suite Ride’ initiative by UAE-based Burjeel Holdings will investigate glucose behavior in microgravity. Continuous glucose monitors worn by astronauts may pave the way for:

• Improved diabetic treatments

• Revised space eligibility guidelines for diabetic individuals

Currently, insulin-dependent diabetics are barred from space travel, making this research critical.

Falcon 9 Launch: Precision and Power

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket flawlessly launched the Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew. Key details:

• Lift-off Time: 12:01 PM IST, June 25

• Weather: 90% favorable conditions

• Stage Recovery: First stage to land at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1)

The mission uses a new Dragon spacecraft, increasing SpaceX’s human-rated fleet to five.

What Happens Next?

According to NASA, the Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26. Over the next two weeks, Shukla and his team will:

• Execute 60 science experiments

• Share cultural insights

• Participate in live video conferences with students from India, Hungary, and Poland

• Demonstrate how international collaboration in space can inspire Earth-bound unity

India's Space Legacy Reignited

This mission rekindles India’s human spaceflight ambitions, first established in 1984 with Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11. With Gaganyaan now on the horizon, and Bharat Antariksh Station planned for the 2030s, India is positioning itself as a leader in peaceful space exploration.

Conclusion: A Giant Leap for India's Space Future

The successful lift-off of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard Axiom-4 is more than a historic moment—it is a vision of India’s space-enabled future. From advanced human spaceflight training to international scientific collaboration, India has reaffirmed its place among the world’s top space-faring nations.

As the nation watches, and millions cheer, one truth becomes evident: India is not just reaching for the stars—it is becoming one.

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