IAF's Shubhanshu Shukla to Make Historic Space Journey Aboard ISS on June 11 as Part of Axiom-4 Mission
In a historic leap for India's space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to become the first Indian in over four decades to travel to space, as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. The liftoff is scheduled for June 11 at 5:30 p.m. IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The mission, delayed by a day due to weather conditions, marks India’s return to human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 voyage, and serves as a precursor to ISRO’s own upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla—affectionately known as "Shux"—has built an exceptional career in Indian defence and aerospace. A City Montessori School alumnus, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the IAF in 2006. Over nearly two decades of service, he has logged more than 2,000 hours of flying on a wide range of aircraft including Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Dornier-228.
He holds an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and was one of four officers selected in 2019 for the Indian Space Research Organisation's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Shukla trained extensively at both Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. His selection to the Axiom-4 mission represents a strategic collaboration between India and the global commercial space sector, placing him on course to become only the second Indian to fly to space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
“This Is Not Just My Journey”: Shukla’s Emotional Words Before Launch
Ahead of the mission, the Axiom-4 crew addressed a global press conference. Shukla, emotional and resolute, said:
“This is not just my journey; this is the journey of 1.4 billion Indians. Even if this story can change one life or inspire one young person, it will be a success.”
Shukla’s words resonate deeply as India looks to invigorate its space aspirations, especially in the human spaceflight domain.
The Axiom-4 Mission: What to Expect
Mission Highlights:
- Liftoff Date & Time: June 11, 5:30 p.m. IST (12:00 p.m. UTC)
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
- Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon
- Mission Duration: 14–21 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
- Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA), a veteran astronaut
Crew Members:
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission Pilot
- Sławosz Uznański (Poland) – Payload Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Payload Specialist
Axiom-4, or Ax-4, is part of a privately-funded international mission, developed by Axiom Space, which aims to enable national space programs to participate in low-Earth orbit missions via commercial partnerships.
India’s Investment and Scientific Goals
India is reported to have invested over $60 million (approximately ₹550 crore) in Shukla’s inclusion on this international mission. This expenditure is not just symbolic—it is strategic, as the mission aligns with India’s broader plans for crewed missions through ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, now expected to debut by 2027.
As part of the mission, over 60 scientific experiments will be conducted in partnership with 31 countries, spanning:
- Biomedical research
- Earth observation
- Microgravity materials science
- Life sciences and climate impact studies
Several experiments aboard Ax-4 were developed with input from Indian scientists and institutions, including early prototypes from ISRO's human spaceflight directorate.
Why This Mission Matters for India
Scientific Impact:
Ax-4 will generate valuable operational data and microgravity research that India can apply directly to Gaganyaan. This includes studies on human physiology in space, system reliability, and mission logistics.
Geopolitical & Strategic Significance:
The flight is symbolic of India’s rise as a serious player in global space diplomacy. By partnering with Axiom, India joins a select group of nations making non-traditional entries into space using private aerospace firms.
Global Cooperation:
This mission is notable for enabling three countries—India, Poland, and Hungary—to return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years. It is also the first time all three will have astronauts aboard the ISS, reflecting a new model of international cooperation.
“Axiom-4 is not just a space mission; it is a geopolitical and technological milestone,” said Dr. P. Joshi, a space policy analyst. “It opens doors for nations with emerging programs to gain spaceflight experience through credible partnerships.”
A Stepping Stone Toward Gaganyaan and Beyond
India's Gaganyaan program, delayed due to the pandemic and technical refinements, is now slated for a 2027 launch. The mission aims to send a crew of Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an ISRO-built capsule. Shukla’s participation in Ax-4 not only tests India’s astronaut readiness but also builds global credibility in human spaceflight.
Final Countdown: What’s Next?
With weather conditions now favorable, all eyes are on Cape Canaveral as the Ax-4 mission enters its final countdown. The launch will be livestreamed globally on NASA and Axiom Space platforms, with millions expected to tune in.
Should all go according to plan, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will lift off on June 11, fulfilling a dream shared by generations of Indians inspired by the stars..
