A Giant Leap for India: Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly on Axiom Mission 4

In a defining moment for India’s space journey, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and astronaut-designate for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, is set to take part in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — a private crewed spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission is scheduled for launch on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and will mark the first visit by an Indian astronaut to the ISS in over 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 flight.

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An International Effort: Ax-4’s Global Significance

Ax-4 is a collaborative mission by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, representing a new era of public-private and international space partnerships. The crew includes:

• Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA) – Former NASA astronaut and record-holder for the most cumulative time in space.
• Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India) – First Indian astronaut to visit the ISS in over four decades.
• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Mission Specialist, Poland) – First Polish astronaut to visit the ISS.
• Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary) – First Hungarian astronaut to the ISS.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket at 8:22 AM EDT (5:52 PM IST) and reach the ISS in about 28 hours, docking on June 11 at 10 PM IST. The crew will remain aboard the station for up to 14 days, conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities.

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Shubhanshu Shukla: The Face of India’s New Space Era

A symbol of India’s rising space aspirations, Group Captain Shukla has been training for this role as one of the four astronauts selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission. His selection for Ax-4 showcases India’s growing global space presence.

“From flying jets to navigating the void of space, Shukla’s journey is one of resilience and national pride.”

With this mission, Shukla becomes only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in 1984.

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Scientific Goals and Global Education

The Ax-4 crew will conduct:

• Five joint scientific investigations
• Two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) outreach experiments, jointly developed by NASA and ISRO

These initiatives aim to advance human knowledge while inspiring youth in India, Poland, and Hungary to pursue careers in science and exploration.

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The Flight Path: From Earth to the Stars

The mission will follow a meticulously timed launch-to-docking process:

1. Launch: From Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center.
2. 28-Hour Journey: Dragon spacecraft maneuvers toward the ISS.
3. Docking: With the Harmony module of the ISS.
4. Mission Duration: Approx. 14 days of experiments and collaboration.

Shukla will work closely with the commander to support spacecraft operations, handle critical docking maneuvers, and participate in research aboard the ISS.

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India’s Growing Footprint in Space

This mission is not just symbolic; it’s a strategic precursor to Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight program, expected to launch later in 2025. The knowledge gained by Shukla in this international mission will:

• Enhance ISRO’s readiness for human spaceflight
• Strengthen Indo-US space collaboration
• Build momentum for future joint missions and space research

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Axiom Space: Pioneering Private Space Travel

Founded to make space more accessible, Axiom Space has successfully launched multiple private missions. Ax-1 in April 2022 was the first fully private crewed mission to the ISS, and Ax-4 continues that tradition with international astronauts aboard.

Axiom’s partnership with SpaceX and NASA empowers emerging space nations like India to gain practical experience and global visibility.

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Global Recognition and Pride

For India and its global diaspora, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is a matter of immense national pride. It marks:

• A new chapter in Indian space exploration
• An inspiration for young scientists and engineers
• A moment of unity for Indian communities around the world

Educational programs linked to Ax-4 will include interactive sessions, live feeds, and digital content aimed at engaging students globally, with a special focus on youth in India.

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Conclusion: India’s Space Story Ascends

As Ax-4 prepares for launch, the excitement is palpable. For India, this is more than a mission — it’s a declaration of capability, collaboration, and cosmic ambition. Shubhanshu Shukla’s role in this journey adds a proud new page to India’s space legacy.

“From the Earth to the stars, India’s journey has just begun — and the world is watching.”

Stay with NRI Globe as we continue to bring you exclusive coverage of this historic spaceflight, offering a front-row view of India’s leap into the future.