Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, nearly four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight in 1984
India Returns to Space as Shubhanshu Shukla Heads to ISS
Cape Canaveral, Florida | June 25, 2025 – In a historic moment for India’s space legacy, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to lift off to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
The launch is scheduled for 2:31 a.m. EDT (12 noon IST) on Wednesday, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission is part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 commercial spaceflight, conducted in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.
“India is returning to space, Jai Hind”: Shukla’s Message
Just hours before the launch, Shukla posted a patriotic message on social media, saying:
“India is returning to space. Jai Hind.”
The Indian pilot, selected for his background in engineering and advanced aviation, will serve as Pilot of the mission, under the command of renowned American astronaut Peggy Whitson.
Shukla also shared a heartfelt message for his wife Kamna, writing:
“Without you none of this was possible, but more importantly, none of this would matter.”
A photo accompanying the post showed the couple saying goodbye from either side of a glass wall — a moving moment symbolizing the sacrifices behind space exploration.
About the Ax-4 Mission
The Ax-4 mission by Axiom Space is a commercial flight designed to expand international cooperation in space and boost private sector involvement in space science.
Mission details:
- Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9
- Spacecraft: New-generation SpaceX Dragon
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Launch Complex 39A
- Mission Duration: Approximately 14 days
- Destination: International Space Station (ISS)
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Crew:
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Peggy Whitson (Commander) – USA
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Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot) – India
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Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Mission Specialist) – Poland
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Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist) – Hungary
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Scientific Goals of the Mission
Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will participate in a series of cutting-edge scientific experiments, with a strong focus on:
- Space Nutrition and Food Science
- Effects of Microgravity and Space Radiation
- Research on Microalgae as a sustainable, high-nutrient food source for future deep-space missions
These experiments are expected to support the development of long-duration space travel technologies and nutritional strategies, especially for missions to the Moon and Mars.
SpaceX Confirms Readiness
In a pre-launch update, SpaceX confirmed that:
“Dragon’s hatch is closed, all communication and suit checks are complete, the seats are rotated, and the Ax-4 crew is ready for launch.”
The company also shared that weather conditions are 90% favorable, and the live webcast of the launch will begin at 12:30 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. IST).
Why This Story Matters
Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight is not just a personal milestone — it marks a major shift in India’s role in global space exploration:
- India becomes part of ISS operations for the first time
- Public-private partnerships in space gain momentum
- Scientific diplomacy is furthered through collaboration with the US, Poland, and Hungary
- The mission helps inspire a new generation of Indian scientists, engineers, and astronauts
With India planning its own space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) by 2035 and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission on the horizon, Shukla’s journey adds momentum to the country’s fast-evolving space ambitions.
A Look Back: India’s Legacy in Space
- 1984: Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma becomes the first Indian in space aboard Soviet Soyuz T-11
- 2023: India successfully lands Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole
- 2025: Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to fly to the ISS as part of a commercial international crew
Final Thoughts
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission represents more than just a flag in space — it is a testament to India’s evolving space capabilities and a leap toward stronger international collaborations in the cosmos.
As the nation watches with pride, Shukla’s words ring loud:
“India is returning to space, Jai Hind.”