In a proud and historic moment for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS). He lifted off aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:01 PM IST on June 25, 2025.
A 41-Year Wait Ends
This launch marks a monumental achievement for India’s space legacy, as Shukla becomes only the second Indian in space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in 1984. With this mission, India has returned to human space exploration on the global stage after more than four decades.
About the Mission: Axiom Mission 4
The mission is organized by Axiom Space, a Texas-based private space company, in collaboration with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s pioneering aerospace company. Axiom’s objective is to build the world’s first commercial space station, and missions like Ax-4 are stepping stones toward that goal.
Crew of Four Aboard Crew Dragon
- The four-member international team, launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, includes:
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
- Three other astronauts representing Axiom Space’s international partners
- They were carried to orbit on the Falcon 9 rocket, a reusable two-stage launch vehicle developed by SpaceX.
Shubhanshu Shukla: A New Hero for India
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a decorated pilot from the Indian Air Force. His selection as the pilot of this prestigious mission reflects India’s growing stature in the global space community. His journey is not only a personal milestone but a national symbol of scientific progress and ambition.
Axiom’s Vision and India’s Growing Role
Axiom Space’s partnership with SpaceX and various international agencies aims to enable low-Earth orbit access for private citizens and national astronauts alike. India’s participation in this mission is a strong indicator of its increasing role in global space collaboration, even as it pursues its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Looking Ahead
As Shubhanshu Shukla begins his time aboard the International Space Station, he carries with him the hopes and pride of 1.4 billion Indians. His success will not only inspire a new generation of space explorers from India but will also deepen India’s involvement in international space science and technology.
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