- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes only the second Indian to travel to space.
- The mission lifts off from NASA’s iconic Launch Complex 39A aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
- The Axiom-4 crew heads to the ISS for a 14-day science-driven mission.
In a landmark moment for Indian space history, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla blasted off aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the first Indian in space in four decades.
The Axiom-4 crew consists of four international astronauts, including mission Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and specialists from Poland and Hungary.
India’s Cosmic Comeback: Shubhanshu Shukla Launches into Orbit on Ax-4 Mission
After several weather-related delays, the Axiom-4 mission finally lifted off without incident. A last-minute software glitch briefly threatened a seventh postponement, but ground teams resolved it swiftly, and the Falcon 9’s Merlin engines roared to life just after 12:00 pm IST. Within eight minutes, the booster safely landed back on Earth, and the Crew Dragon capsule began its orbital journey.
Group Captain Shukla, known for his precision flying in the Indian Air Force, was selected after rigorous international astronaut training. His calm demeanor and leadership earned him the role of pilot for this mission. Shukla spent over a month in strict pre-flight quarantine, ensuring zero health risks ahead of his stay aboard the ISS.
The mission’s scientific focus marks a shift in how nations contribute to space. India’s seven experiments were chosen from leading institutes across the country, representing biotechnology, astrophysics, and AI-assisted robotics. These contributions underscore India’s growing stake in space innovation through public-private global partnerships.
This mission also places India in the fast-emerging commercial space race, joining hands with SpaceX and Axiom Space in creating pathways for private astronauts. As ISRO gears up for its Gaganyaan crewed mission, Axiom-4 could serve as a strategic precursor for India’s future in orbital research and commercial space tourism.
With the Axiom-4 mission, India has reignited its human spaceflight journey, proving that the sky is no longer the limit — it’s just the beginning.
“For those who dare to dream, the universe is the limit.” – Anonymous
