Shubhanshu Shukla takes India back to space, launch successful
Born in 1985, just a year after Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, Shubhanshu Shukla grew up inspired by the cosmos — not merely gazing at the stars, but determined to reach them.
News Arena Network - Florida - UPDATED: June 25, 2025, 04:59 PM - 2 min read
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and ISRO-trained astronaut, soared into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission on Wednesday, embarking on a two-week sojourn aboard the International Space Station (ISS) alongside three fellow astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the United States.
The Ax-4 is Axiom Space’s fourth mission aimed at pioneering commercial access to the ISS. The company plans to eventually launch its own private space station, positioning itself to succeed the ageing ISS in the years ahead.'
LIFTOFF of Axiom-4 🚀 After 41 long years, an Indian astronaut is finally on his way to space! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2KIq7IacCu
The Falcon-9 rocket, with its Merlin engines thundering to life, powered the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft into Low Earth Orbit with characteristic precision. After stage separation, the first stage booster made a flawless return, while the second stage delivered Dragon on a precise orbital trajectory. SpaceX confirmed that weather conditions had been 90 per cent favourable at the time of launch.
An hour before liftoff, the crew donned their pressure suits and made their way to the launchpad, pausing for a final farewell to family members. Among the waiting relatives were Shukla’s wife and children, their eyes fixed on the sky, watching a husband and father vanish into the heavens.
Shukla, who will serve as the mission’s pilot, is affectionately called “Shux” by his crewmates. Leading the crew is Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space. She is joined by ESA’s Polish project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, both serving as mission specialists.
“I want to say to the people of India, this mission is a milestone and I request India to pray for the success of the mission. Even stars are attainable,” Shukla said before liftoff.
Over the course of the 14-day scientific mission, Shukla will conduct seven experiments designed by Indian institutions. These range from biological and medical research to mental health studies—all conducted in the unique environment of microgravity. According to ISRO’s Group Head for Microgravity Platforms and Research, Tushar Phadnis, the experiments will directly contribute to India’s upcoming human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.
One study focuses on germination of moong and methi seeds in zero gravity—a key step towards sustainable space agriculture. Others will examine tardigrade resilience, muscle loss, mental health under screen exposure, and ageing of human cells in orbit. Researchers will also test the viability of cultivating edible algae as a high-nutrition space food.
“These studies are critical for understanding the physiological and psychological challenges astronauts face during extended missions,” an ISRO scientist said.
In addition to scientific objectives, the mission has strategic implications. Axiom-4, the fourth private mission by Axiom Space, is being seen as a platform for advancing India’s ambitions in space diplomacy and commercial partnerships. The operational experience—from quarantine protocols to collaborative training and orbital operations—is expected to benefit Gaganyaan significantly.
Interestingly, Shukla is one of four astronauts shortlisted for the Gaganyaan mission. His stint aboard the ISS is expected to offer valuable insights into living, working, and readapting after prolonged microgravity exposure.
The mission has not been without its delays. Technical issues and adverse weather conditions had pushed back the launch schedule repeatedly. However, with the final countdown running smoothly, Wednesday’s launch stood as a triumph of planning and perseverance.
Mission commander Whitson will oversee the entire flight—from docking to the scheduled splashdown in July. During the journey, Shukla is also expected to interact with Indian students in two public outreach events from space, and a communication link is expected to be established with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For India, Axiom-4 is more than a science mission. It is a statement of readiness, a signal that the country is preparing to transition from participant to partner in the global space ecosystem.
As Shukla’s capsule arcs across the Earth, one cannot help but feel the weight of dreams it carries. Not only his family in Lucknow, but an entire nation now watches the stars a little more closely.
Axiom-4 crew taking one last look at their families before heading to the launchpad.
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