Group Captain Shukla becomes first Indian to reach space since 1984; calls it the start of India’s human space programme
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Blazes a New Trail for India in Space with Historic ISS Mission
Mangaluru | June 25, 2025 — India has returned to space after four decades. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, successfully launched aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on Wednesday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will make Shukla the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Indian in space since 1984.
The lift-off occurred at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with Shukla piloting the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew is on a 28-hour journey to the ISS and is expected to dock by 4:30 PM IST on June 26, where they will spend 14 days conducting scientific research and outreach activities.
"This is Not Just My Journey": Shukla’s First Message from Space
In his first message post-launch, Group Captain Shukla addressed the nation:
“Namaskar my dear countrymen. What a ride. After 40 years we have once again reached space… I have my tricolour on my shoulder, which tells me I’m not alone — you are all with me.”
“This is not the start of my journey to the ISS, but the start of India’s human space programme. I want my countrymen to become part of this journey. Let us join together and start India’s space journey. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
A Historic Return to Space After 40 Years
The last Indian to fly to space was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, who flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission. Shukla now becomes the second Indian in space and the first to board the ISS, which became operational only in 2000.
The Ax-4 mission has global significance as it represents the growing role of commercial spaceflight, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration in space science.
The Crew's Research Mission: Science Without Borders
During their 14-day mission, the Ax-4 crew will carry out over 60 science experiments involving 31 countries, including India, the U.S., Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and several EU nations.
Indian Contributions:
- ISRO has selected seven Indian-led experiments in microgravity research, to be conducted by Shukla aboard the ISS.
- These projects come from top Indian academic and R&D institutions and focus on space biology, material science, space nutrition, and more.
- ISRO and NASA will also collaborate on five joint scientific investigations, along with two in-orbit STEM demonstrations for student engagement and educational outreach.
Mission Timeline and Technical Challenges
The mission faced multiple delays, with the original launch targeted for May 29, 2025. Since then, it was deferred due to:
- Observations in the electrical harness of the Crew Dragon Module
- A liquid oxygen leak on Falcon 9
- Unfavourable weather conditions
- A snag in the Zvezda service module aboard the ISS
To ensure crew safety, the team had been in quarantine since May 25, undergoing extensive checks and simulations. The successful launch on June 25 reflects the commitment to mission integrity and crew health.
The Significance for India’s Human Spaceflight Programme
This mission is not just symbolic — it is strategic and foundational.
- Shukla’s mission marks India’s first human participation in a commercial low-Earth orbit research program, bridging ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission and future crewed spaceflights.
- It demonstrates India’s technical credibility and astronaut readiness for long-duration space habitation, a major step forward from single-orbit missions.
- As India builds capacity for its own space station in the 2030s, international collaborations like Ax-4 lay the groundwork for interoperability and global leadership.
A Nation Watches with Pride
The tricolour on Shukla’s spacesuit isn’t just a patch — it represents the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. His launch has been widely celebrated across the country, with congratulatory messages pouring in from ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and leaders across the political spectrum.
"Group Captain Shukla’s courage and determination inspire the next generation of Indian space scientists and engineers," said a senior ISRO official.
"His journey is not just a personal milestone, but a national leap forward."
What’s Next?
- Docking Time: June 26, 4:30 PM IST (7 AM ET)
- Mission Duration: 14 days at the ISS
- Return to Earth: Early July (date TBD)
- Public Outreach: Live updates from NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX
- Educational Impact: Real-time interaction and science modules to be shared with Indian students during the mission