IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Embarks on Historic ISS Mission After 41 Years
- IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian in space and the first to reach the International Space Station, launching aboard Axiom Mission 4.
- The mission is a joint effort by NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, with Shukla serving as pilot alongside international crew members.
- Shukla’s participation provides crucial experience for India’s upcoming human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, and marks a major step in India's space ambitions.
In a historic milestone for India’s space journey, IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully launched into space, marking the nation’s return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. Shukla, who hails from Lucknow, is part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private astronaut mission conducted in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. The mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:00 noon IST) on June 26, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the new Dragon spacecraft.
This mission makes Shukla the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984 and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. He is serving as the pilot for the mission, with former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson commanding it. The crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Tibor Kapu from Hungary’s HUNOR program, both acting as mission specialists. The spacecraft has successfully achieved its intended orbit, and the docking with the ISS is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. IST on June 26, following a 28-hour journey.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called the mission a significant step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He credited recent government space reforms, including the opening of the space sector to private participation, for making such international collaborations possible. According to Singh, this mission represents a symbolic and practical leap forward in India’s ambitions to become a global space leader.
Shukla was earlier shortlisted among 12 finalists for India’s Gaganyaan mission and later selected as one of the four astronauts for international training and collaboration. His participation in the Axiom-4 mission is considered a strategic move by India to gain firsthand experience in crewed space missions. Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized that Shukla’s journey will offer valuable insights for ISRO as it prepares for its own human spaceflight mission. The government saw great value in sending one of the Gaganyaan astronauts on a global mission to gather real-time operational knowledge.
Scientific experts have also hailed the mission as a proud moment for India. Renowned scientist P.K. Ghosh noted that Shukla might even participate in spacewalks during his stay aboard the ISS. While the mission is currently planned for 14 days, it could be extended to 21 days depending on the operational schedule. Retired ISRO scientist Sivasubramanian explained that astronauts undergo intense training to endure extreme physical and psychological conditions, including isolation and conducting experiments in microgravity. He added that Shukla’s selection was not only a recognition of his technical skills but also his ability to conduct scientific research, a crucial component of modern space missions.
The Ax-4 mission symbolizes a new chapter for India in space exploration. Unlike past missions where Indian involvement was limited, this mission puts an Indian pilot in a critical operational role. Shukla’s journey not only adds to India’s growing space legacy but also stands as an inspiration for the younger generation to pursue careers in science, technology, and space research.
With Shukla now en route to the ISS, India’s tricolor returns to orbit, reigniting national pride and global recognition. The mission not only strengthens India’s position in the international space community but also paves the way for future astronauts under the Gaganyaan program. As the docking countdown continues, the country eagerly awaits another proud moment in its space journey.
