On June 10, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force officer, is set to become the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). He will fly aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, launched by Axiom Space, in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.
This historic event marks a significant leap in India’s human spaceflight ambitions, placing it on the global map of space exploration in a new and inspiring way.
What is the Axiom-4 Mission?
NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 8:22 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 10, for the launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4. Credit: NASA/Mark A. Garcia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Axiom-4, the fourth private astronaut mission by Axiom Space, aims to carry a crew of four astronauts to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Unlike earlier missions solely managed by national space agencies, Ax-4 is a commercial mission, symbolizing a shift toward private space travel and international partnerships.
The mission will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a Falcon 9 rocket.
Meet Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Service Branch: Indian Air Force
- Rank: Group Captain
- Background: Combat pilot with experience flying Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets
- Selection: Chosen after extensive training and evaluation in India and abroad
- Mission Role: Conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and public outreach from the ISS
Captain Shukla’s presence on Ax-4 is not only a national honor but a representation of India's readiness to be a key contributor to human spaceflight missions.
Why This Mission Matters
India's Global Presence in Space
- This mission proves that India is not just watching the stars it’s reaching them. By sending an astronaut to the ISS in partnership with Axiom, India cements its place among elite spacefaring nations with human presence in low Earth orbit.
Boost to Gaganyaan and ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Plans
- While ISRO's Gaganyaan mission is still in development, Captain Shukla’s participation in Ax-4 provides invaluable real-world experience and insights that will contribute to India's own future crewed space missions.
Strengthening International Partnerships
- This collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the Indian Air Force is a perfect example of how space is becoming a domain of global cooperation, rather than competition.
What Will He Do on the ISS?
During his time aboard the International Space Station, Shukla is expected to:
- Conduct biomedical and materials science experiments
- Participate in international research initiatives
- Support education and public outreach efforts aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers
These contributions go beyond science they aim to ignite curiosity and ambition among millions of students back home.
What’s Next for India?
India’s presence aboard the ISS could be just the beginning of:
- Future astronaut collaborations with NASA, ESA, or JAXA
- The Gaganyaan mission’s success with Indian-built spacecraft
- Increased participation in private space partnerships for commercial missions
- India's potential role in Lunar Gateway or Mars mission planning
Final Thoughts
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is more than a mission, it’s a message. A message that India is ready to rise, not just economically or militarily, but scientifically and cosmically.
As India prepares to wave its tricolor flag from outer space, one thing is certain:
The sky is no longer the limit, it’s just the beginning.