India is set to make history in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He will fly aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for launch on May 29, 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey.
The mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, ISRO, and Axiom Space, will send Shukla and three other international astronauts to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for a two-week stay in low-Earth orbit. Shukla will serve as mission pilot, highlighting India’s growing role in global space missions.
A Historic Moment for India
Shukla’s journey will be a historic follow-up to Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian in space in 1984 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. However, Shukla will be the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, representing a new era of Indian space exploration and international cooperation.
Meet Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla is a seasoned test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours on a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. He was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in June 2006 and promoted to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024.
His journey into space began in 2019, when he was selected by ISRO for astronaut training. He underwent intensive year-long training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City and is also one of the astronaut-designates for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
About Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Axiom Mission 4 is a private, multinational spaceflight and a landmark venture that will also mark the return of Poland and Hungary to human space missions after more than four decades. The full crew includes:
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission Pilot
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist
- One additional astronaut (yet to be disclosed)
The crew will spend up to 14 days on the ISS conducting scientific research, educational outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is seen as a bold step toward international collaboration in space and expanding the accessibility of low-Earth orbit missions.
Axiom Space described Ax-4 as a mission that “redefines the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevates national space programs globally.”
A Proud Moment for India
As India continues its ascent as a significant player in the global space landscape, Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in Ax-4 represents both a technological achievement and a symbol of national pride. With ISRO playing a crucial role in the mission’s coordination, Ax-4 is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
Sources By Agencies
