IAF’s Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla to Make Historic Journey to ISS Aboard Axiom Mission 4
In a landmark moment for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the latest Indian to venture into space. Axiom Space Inc. officially announced on Tuesday that Shukla will serve as the pilot on the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for launch on May 29, 2025.
The mission represents a pivotal collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The launch will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with liftoff scheduled for 10:33 PM IST. The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, continuing the company’s record of facilitating international space missions.
An International Crew for a Global Mission
Shukla will be joined by Commander Peggy Whitson, a decorated former NASA astronaut and veteran of three long-duration ISS missions. Also aboard the Ax-4 mission are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, making the mission a symbol of growing international cooperation in space exploration.
14-Day Stay Focused on Science and Innovation
Once docked with the ISS, the crew will spend approximately 14 days conducting a series of scientific experiments and commercial research projects. According to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the astronauts will focus on pioneering work in space technology, space bio-manufacturing, and bio-astronautics, helping expand knowledge in fields that are increasingly vital to space-based innovation and long-term human presence beyond Earth.
India’s Growing Footprint in Human Spaceflight
Shubanshu Shukla’s participation marks a significant stride in India’s growing involvement in crewed space missions. It serves not only as a demonstration of capability but also as a training ground for India’s future ambitions. The mission is expected to deliver strategic insights and operational expertise critical to ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight program, and the country’s long-term vision of establishing its own space station.
This opportunity also reflects the expanding scope of public-private international partnerships, as India leverages global alliances to accelerate its space goals. For Shukla, the journey is a personal milestone—but for India, it is a giant leap forward in its journey toward becoming a key player in the era of human spaceflight.
