On June 25, 2025, India marked a historic milestone in its space exploration journey as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soared into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. This remarkable feat makes Shukla the second Indian astronaut to travel to space, 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 mission aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11. As the first Indian to head to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla’s journey is a proud moment for the nation and a significant step forward for India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
A Historic Launch from Kennedy Space Center
The Axiom-4 mission lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT) on June 25, 2025, after multiple delays due to weather concerns. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying Shukla and three international crewmates—mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski (Poland)—into low Earth orbit at a speed exceeding 27,000 kilometers per hour. The spacecraft is set to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26, 2025, after a 28-hour journey.
Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot from Lucknow, serves as the mission pilot, overseeing the spacecraft’s trajectory and orbital parameters. His role is supervisory, leveraging his experience as a test pilot for aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Sukhoi-30 MKI. Within minutes of reaching orbit, Shukla shared an emotional message in Hindi: “Kya kamaal ki ride thi! Namaskar, my dear countrymen! We are back in space after 41 years. The Tiranga on my shoulders tells me I am with all of you.”
Shubhanshu Shukla: A Journey from Lucknow to the Stars
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shubhanshu Shukla’s path to the stars began with a serendipitous decision to apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA). His father, Shambhu Shukla, recalled how a classmate’s overage application led Shukla to seize the opportunity. Joining the IAF as a fighter pilot in 2006, Shukla’s dedication and skill earned him a spot in India’s Gaganyaan program in 2019, preparing him for this historic mission.
Shukla underwent rigorous training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. His crewmates have praised his wisdom and focus, with Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu nicknaming him “Shux” and joking that his knowledge makes him seem “130 years old.” Shukla’s personal touch includes carrying mango nectar, moong dal halwa, and carrot halwa to the ISS, symbolizing a taste of home in space.
Axiom-4 Mission: A Milestone for India and Beyond
The Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, ISRO, and the European Space Agency (ESA), is a private commercial spaceflight, marking the first ISS mission for India, Hungary, and Poland since their initial crewed spaceflights decades ago. During his 14-day stay at the ISS, Shukla will conduct seven microgravity experiments designed by Indian scientists, focusing on:
- Growing superfoods like moong and methi in microgravity
- Studying microbial behavior, muscle loss, and mental health in space
- Exploring algae as a sustainable food source for future missions
These experiments aim to advance India’s scientific capabilities and support the Gaganyaan program, India’s indigenous human spaceflight mission slated for 2026 or 2027. Shukla will also interact with Indian students from space, inspiring the next generation of explorers.
A Nation Celebrates: Pride and Patriotism
Shukla’s launch has sparked nationwide celebrations, echoing the pride felt during Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, when he famously described India as “Saare Jahan Se Achha” in response to then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission, stating, “The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, carrying the wishes of 1.4 billion Indians.”
In Lucknow’s Triveni Nagar, Shukla’s family, including his mother, Asha Shukla, watched the liftoff with tears of pride. “He said, ‘Maa, it’s happening today.’ This isn’t just his achievement—it’s our entire family’s,” she told News18. Across social media, Indians expressed joy, with posts on X calling Shukla a “space hero” and wishing him success.
The Road Ahead: India’s Space Ambitions
Shukla’s mission, costing ISRO ₹550 crore ($59 million), is a strategic investment in India’s space future. The experience gained will bolster the Gaganyaan program, which aims to make India the fourth nation to independently send humans to space. ISRO’s collaboration with NASA, announced during Prime Minister Modi’s 2023 U.S. visit, underscores India’s growing role in global space exploration.
As Shukla orbits Earth, carrying the Indian tricolor, his journey symbolizes not just a personal triumph but a nation’s aspirations. “This is the beginning of India’s human spaceflight program. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” he declared from orbit, inviting every Indian to share in this cosmic odyssey.
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