Photo Credit: India today
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to soar into space history. The 39-year-old pilot from Lucknow has completed the final launch rehearsal for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), ahead of his scheduled journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 10, 2025. This milestone marks a monumental moment for Indian space ambitions, as Shukla becomes only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
What Happened During the Final Rehearsal?
In a carefully choreographed simulation, Shukla and his international crew suited up in SpaceX’s signature gear and underwent a full launch dress rehearsal. This included boarding the Dragon capsule, rehearsing countdown procedures, and completing a successful static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket.
The mission is being led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now commanding Ax-4. The rehearsal validated the team’s readiness for launch and gave them a realistic taste of the high-stakes environment of spaceflight. Shukla called it “something much larger than yourself,” expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent India on a global stage.
India’s Big Return to Human Spaceflight
This launch signals India’s return to crewed space missions after more than four decades. Unlike the Soviet-backed Intercosmos flight that took Rakesh Sharma to space, Shukla’s journey is a result of a private-public partnership involving NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. India, along with Poland and Hungary, is taking part in this mission — a first-of-its-kind global collaboration through a commercial launch.
What Will Shukla Do in Space?
During the 14-day mission aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct over 60 scientific experiments. India has contributed seven key research projects through ISRO, spanning areas like human health in microgravity, advanced material science, and climate observation.
Shukla, who will be piloting the Dragon spacecraft, will also gain critical real-world experience in space operations — experience that will feed directly into India’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, which is expected to launch by 2026–27.
Why This Mission Matters for India
Shukla’s presence on the Ax-4 mission isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic. His selection reflects India’s aspirations to become a major player in human spaceflight. The skills and insights gained from this mission are expected to play a foundational role in the success of the Gaganyaan program.
According to reports, ISRO has invested around ₹550 crore in this mission. Beyond the numbers, the investment is about building capacity, forging international collaboration, and showcasing India’s capabilities on the world stage.
Key Details of the Mission
The Ax-4 mission is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 5:52 p.m. IST. The launch will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew includes Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, Peggy Whitson as commander, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznanski, and Hungarian engineer Tibor Kapu.
The mission will be streamed live on NASA TV and SpaceX’s official YouTube channel, with millions of viewers in India expected to tune in for this historic liftoff.
India’s Space Dreams Take Flight Again
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is more than just a spaceflight — it is a statement of intent. From the training grounds of the Indian Air Force to the launch pads of NASA, his journey reflects the aspirations of a rising India ready to claim its place among spacefaring nations.
As the countdown begins, the excitement back home is palpable. India is not just sending another man into space — it’s rekindling a national dream and preparing to shape the future of space exploration on its own terms.
