India Returns to Space: Shubhanshu Shukla Joins Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS

India has marked a historic comeback to human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla flying aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) to the International Space Station (ISS). After a gap of more than 40 years since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission, this moment rekindles India’s ambitions in the global space arena.

🚀 The Ax‑4 Mission: A Global Collaboration
Organized by Axiom Space and launched by SpaceX, the Ax‑4 mission is a private, international astronaut mission to the ISS. It features astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the USA, highlighting growing global partnerships in space exploration.

The crew launched successfully aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 25, 2025, at 12:01 PM IST, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS after approximately 28 hours in orbit, around 4:30 PM IST on June 26.

👨‍🚀 Shubhanshu Shukla: A Proud Moment for India
Hailing from Lucknow, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and one of the astronauts selected under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. On the Ax‑4 mission, he serves as Pilot, becoming the first Indian to fly to the ISS and the first Indian in space since 1984.

Shukla’s participation represents not just personal achievement but also national significance. His journey showcases India's readiness for more complex crewed missions and cements its place in the next generation of space exploration.

🔬 Science & Experiments Onboard
Ax‑4 is not just symbolic—it’s also deeply scientific. The mission will carry out more than 60 experiments in microgravity, including several designed by Indian researchers:

• Muscle development (myogenesis) studies
• Crop seed germination and microalgae research
• Studies on microbial behavior and stress tolerance using tardigrades

These experiments are crucial for improving human health, agriculture, and biology in space conditions—and contribute directly to India’s research ecosystem.

🇮🇳 What It Means for India
While Ax‑4 is an international mission, it’s a major boost for ISRO’s human spaceflight efforts. The experience Shukla gains in handling life-support systems, orbital science, and space operations will be invaluable as India prepares for Gaganyaan, its first indigenously launched crewed mission targeted for 2026–2027.

India's role in Ax‑4 sends a clear message: the country is not just a participant but a serious player in the global space industry.

🌍 A Moment of National Pride
Live broadcasts and space watch parties were held across the country—especially in Lucknow—to celebrate the launch. Social media erupted with pride, with citizens, scientists, and government leaders applauding this landmark mission.

The event was more than just a launch—it was a statement of intent. India is back in the human spaceflight game, and it’s here to stay.

🛰️ Final Thoughts
Axiom Mission 4 is not only expanding access to space—it’s also expanding India’s legacy. With Shubhanshu Shukla at the helm, this mission is a powerful reminder that India’s journey among the stars has only just begun.