India’s Moment in Space: Shubhanshu Shukla Soars to ISS on Axiom-4 Mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS aboard Axiom-4’s Dragon capsule, marking a new era in India’s space journey.
image for illustrative purpose
In a historic moment for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian ever to enter space—and the first to journey to the International Space Station (ISS)—as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center at 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, the Axiom-4 mission marks a major milestone in India’s space exploration timeline. Riding in the Dragon spacecraft named Grace, Shukla joins American commander Peggy Whitson, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznanski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu on a 14-day mission.
Minutes after crossing the Kármán line—the boundary of space—Shukla addressed his nation:
“Namaskar, mere pyaare deshvasiyon. What a ride! We are orbiting Earth at 27,000 kmph.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly congratulated him, highlighting that Shukla is poised to become the first Indian to reach the ISS, marking a new chapter in India's human spaceflight aspirations. His mission is seen as the symbolic beginning of India's goal to establish a space station by 2035 and eventually send astronauts to the Moon.
From Earth to Orbit: The Journey So Far
The Axiom-4 mission endured several delays before its successful launch. The crew performed final checks before liftoff, travelling to the launchpad in Teslas and waving to family and supporters.
About 9 minutes and 38 seconds post-liftoff, the Dragon capsule Grace detached from the Falcon 9's second stage, initiating its orbit around Earth at speeds of 27,000 kmph. It circles the planet every 90 minutes and is expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 4:30 PM IST on Thursday.
Docking: A Complex Dance in Space
Docking with the ISS isn’t immediate—it requires precise navigation over the next 24–28 hours. The capsule will perform multiple engine burns, adjusting its trajectory to perfectly align with the ISS.
As it nears, Grace will pause at pre-set waypoints—starting 400 meters out—before moving closer in stages. At just 20 meters away, laser sensors and cameras guide the capsule in for a soft magnetic capture, followed by a hard mechanical lock.
Only after extensive checks for pressure and leaks will the hatch be opened, officially transferring the crew to the ISS.
A Swan Named Joy
Joining the four astronauts is Joy, a small white swan toy acting as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator. The plush mascot was chosen with Shukla’s 6-year-old son, Kiash (nicknamed Sid), in mind.
“We all liked the idea of having an animal,” said Kapu. “Sid loves animals. We tried dinosaurs and lions, but Joy was the perfect fit.”
As Shukla journeys through space, he carries not just India’s dreams, but also a piece of home—and a bold promise for the future of Indian spaceflight.
