After multiple delays, Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla will soar to the International Space Station on a historic commercial mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, making him India’s second astronaut in space.
New Delhi, June 24, 2025 — In a landmark moment for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to journey into space as part of Axiom Mission 4, NASA confirmed today. The launch is now scheduled for 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, June 25, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
The mission, jointly operated by NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, will see the four-member international crew travel aboard a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Docking with the International Space Station (ISS) is slated for approximately 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26.
This will be India’s second human spaceflight, four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984.
Delays and Safety Assurances
Originally scheduled for May 29, the mission saw several postponements due to Florida’s unpredictable weather, followed by technical glitches in the Falcon 9’s thruster system and a liquid oxygen leak. SpaceX initially proposed a quick fix, but at the insistence of ISRO’s 13-member delegation, led by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, a complete repair and validation was carried out.
Subsequently, issues were also detected on the ISS itself, particularly a “pressure signature” leak in the Russian module. NASA has since confirmed that the problems have been resolved, clearing the way for launch.
About Axiom Mission 4 – ‘Mission Akash Ganga’
Nicknamed Mission Akash Ganga, Axiom Mission 4 marks India’s entry into private human spaceflight. The government has reportedly paid ₹550 crore for Captain Shukla’s seat, making it one of the most expensive spaceflights ever undertaken by an Indian.
The crew for Axiom-4 includes:
- Dr. Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission Commander
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist
Dr. Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and biochemist with 675 days in space and 10 spacewalks, brings unmatched experience to the mission. She currently serves as Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space.
Scientific Goals and Outreach
Over the two-week mission, the team will conduct 60 science experiments, including seven submitted by Indian researchers. Additionally, Group Captain Shukla is expected to engage in a space-to-Earth live interaction with a prominent Indian dignitary.
Currently in medical quarantine, Captain Shukla has been deemed fit to fly. If successful, he will not only become India’s second astronaut, but also its first to travel aboard a commercial space mission, setting a precedent for India’s future in space diplomacy and private-sector partnerships.
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