India Celebrates Historic Space Feat as Shubhanshu Shukla Reaches ISS Aboard SpaceX's Axiom-4 Mission

India Reaches for the Stars Again as Shubhanshu Shukla Joins ISS Crew via Axiom-4 Mission

June 25, 2025 | Florida/India – In a historic moment for India's space journey, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) as part of SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission, marking the nation's triumphant return to human spaceflight after 41 years.

Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 mission includes a diverse international crew: mission commander and veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson (USA), Polish engineer Sławosz Uznański, Hungarian scientist Tibor Kapu, and India’s very own Shukla. The launch took place at 12:01 PM IST on June 25, receiving applause and emotional reactions from around the world.

Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian on ISS Since 1984

Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS since Rakesh Sharma’s legendary mission in 1984, and the first to do so via a commercial private mission. His participation in Axiom-4 underscores India's growing presence in the global space community and is seen as a precursor to the upcoming Gaganyaan mission—India’s first indigenous crewed spaceflight program.

Shortly after lift-off, the Dragon spacecraft 'Grace' achieved orbit, traveling at a velocity of 7.5 km per second at an altitude of 200 km.

“It was a great ride,” Shukla said, speaking from space. In Hindi, he added, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen; we have reached space after 41 years.”

Clad in a flight suit featuring the Indian tricolour, Shukla shared an emotional message:

“This is not just my journey to the ISS, but the beginning of India's new era in human spaceflight.”

Cultural Pride and Science at the Forefront

The Axiom-4 crew is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26, after a 28-hour orbital journey. During their 14-day mission, the astronauts will conduct over 60 scientific experiments, covering key areas such as:

Human physiology in microgravity

Advanced space technologies

Earth and climate observation studies

Adding a cultural touch, Shukla brought along Indian curry and rice, along with mango nectar, while his international colleagues contributed traditional dishes from Hungary and Poland.

National Celebrations and Global Impact

Back home, the launch was met with national pride. In Lucknow, emotional scenes unfolded at City Montessori School, where Shukla's parents and school community watched the event live.

The mission has sparked renewed interest in India’s space ambitions. Educational outreach programs and public events are being organized during the mission’s duration. Shukla is also expected to have a live interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making it a high-visibility event for space science advocacy.

A Milestone in International Cooperation and Commercial Spaceflight

The Axiom-4 mission also represents a turning point for international collaboration in space. With astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, it symbolizes the rise of commercial spaceflight in making space more accessible.

As India prepares for its own human spaceflight mission, this achievement stands as a reminder of the country's technological evolution and its rightful place among spacefaring nations.

“This journey belongs to all 1.4 billion Indians,” Shukla remarked before the launch, vowing to inspire innovation and curiosity in future generations.