Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will embark on a space journey on June 19th, 2025, as part of SpaceX's Axiom-4 mission. He will be the first Indian spacecraft pilot to conduct scientific research aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
India is poised to add another glorious chapter to its space exploration history. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is about to participate in a major international mission. The Axiom-4 mission, operated by American company Axiom Space and Elon Musk's SpaceX, is now scheduled to launch on June 19th, 2025.
This historic mission includes experienced astronauts from the United States, Poland, and Hungary alongside Shukla. Significantly, this marks the first time since India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, that an Indian is participating in an international crew mission – and as a pilot, no less.
What's special about the Axiom-4 mission?
Axiom-4 is a private crew mission to the International Space Station (ISS). While a fully commercial mission, it also involves government collaboration. The astronauts will conduct research in science, technology, and medical science.
This mission holds particular significance for India, Poland, and Hungary, as it's the first time in over 40 years that the US has permitted astronauts from these countries to participate in a commercial spaceflight.
Why the launch delay?
The mission was initially scheduled for launch on May 29th, 2025. However, due to technical issues, it was postponed to June 8th, then June 10th, and finally June 11th. SpaceX reported a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak in their Falcon-9 rocket, considered a serious technical problem.
ISRO chief V. Narayanan confirmed that the flight was aborted due to the leak in the rocket's propulsion bay, citing safety concerns. Ultimately, SpaceX and Axiom engineers resolved the issue, and the mission is now set to launch on June 19th.
Who is Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is a professional test pilot and former officer of the Indian Air Force. He has tested state-of-the-art aircraft and has been training for space missions for an extended period. With this mission, he will not only become the second Indian citizen to go to space but also the first Indian to pilot a spacecraft.
His role is considered technically crucial as he will play a key part in the navigation and operations of the Crew Dragon capsule.
Who is participating in the Axiom-4 mission?
The mission includes astronauts from four countries:
- 🇮🇳 Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission Pilot
- 🇺🇸 Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission Commander
- 🇵🇱 Slawosz Uznanski Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist
- 🇭🇺 Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist
A special swan-shaped soft toy named 'Joy' will also be sent on the mission, acting as an indicator of zero-gravity conditions.
The SpaceX and Axiom Space Partnership
Axiom Space is an American space infrastructure company working on private missions and future space stations. The company collaborated with Elon Musk's SpaceX to design this mission. The crew will travel using a Falcon-9 rocket and a Crew Dragon capsule.
Peggy Whitson, NASA's most experienced female astronaut, will command the mission. She has previously traveled to space three times.
Why is this mission historic for India?
- Shubhanshu Shukla will become India's first spacecraft pilot.
- This is the first time an Indian has been part of an Axiom and SpaceX crew mission.
- The mission will expand India's space partnerships and technological recognition.
- It will serve as inspiration for young scientists and astronauts.
