Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Team Ideas24
India is counting down to a momentous event as Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force readies himself for an upcoming commercial spaceflight. On June 10, 2025, the Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4) will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shukla will serve as one of four crew members headed to the International Space Station (ISS).
He becomes the second Indian ever to travel into space and the first to set foot on the ISS. This milestone follows astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s journey aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft back in 1984, marking a 41-year gap in Indian presence at orbit.
The AX-4 team is led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, who has commanded the ISS twice and performed ten spacewalks. Alongside Shukla and Whitson are Poland’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kap.
Both European crew members are also making historic returns as their nations haven’t sent astronauts into orbit for over four decades. The mission will last roughly two weeks, during which Shukla will assist Whitson in docking procedures, onboard operations, and ultimately supporting experiments on the ISS.
Beyond its symbolic significance, the AX-4 flight underscores a growing era of commercial space exploration. This flight is spearheaded by Axiom Space, a private company working alongside NASA to open up station access for non-government astronauts.
The mission highlights how private-sector partnerships can make low Earth orbit more accessible for scientific research, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach.
Shukla will have the chance to interact with Indian students virtually from orbit, aiming to spark interest in STEM fields across the country. Such engagements demonstrate how commercial missions can bridge science, education, and inspiration.
In a press conference before departure, Shukla reflected on what his journey means to India: “As I go into space, I carry not just instruments and equipment; I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. I request all Indians to pray for the success of our mission.”
His words capture both personal pride and national aspiration. For millions back home, this mission is more than a spaceflight. It is proof that India’s space program is ready to take on the commercial frontier.
The Axiom flight paves the way for the Gaganyaan program, India’s own crewed spacecraft mission slated for 2027. Under Gaganyaan, India plans to launch three astronauts into a 400 km orbit before safely returning them to Earth.
The AX-4 launch also includes lighter moments, like revealing the crew’s “fifth member,” a small white swan toy named “Joy.” These personal touches make the mission relatable and fun.
As launch day nears, excitement builds across news outlets and social media, uniting a nation around one shared dream. Shukla’s journey represents not just a personal achievement but a stepping stone for India’s expanding role in space.
For a deeper dive into the full details, fascinating crew backstories, and mission objectives, check out the full article on BBC News for an inside look at this landmark mission.
