Shubhanshu Shukla & Billion Dreams Liftoff As New Chapter In Space Mission Takes Flight | Watch

Axiom-4 Mission Launched: The Axiom-4 mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has now officially entered orbit.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is now traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) after taking off on June 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT). After a 28-hour orbit, docking is anticipated on June 26 at around 4:30 PM IST.

Shukla's historic mission marks a significant turning point in India's expanding role in space exploration worldwide as it makes her the first Indian to visit the ISS. The mission strengthens India's position in the upcoming era of human spaceflight and demonstrates the growing collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and private partners.

The Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, is a private spaceflight mission organized by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. The mission is headed for the International Space Station, where the crew is scheduled to dock around 7:00 AM on Thursday. The team will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research, technology demonstrations, and outreach efforts aimed at expanding commercial human spaceflight.

Commanding the mission is former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson of the United States, now a part of Axiom Space. She is joined by mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, along with India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who serves as the mission pilot.

With this flight, Shukla becomes the second Indian to venture into space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984. A decorated fighter pilot and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, the 39-year-old was handpicked by ISRO for this historic journey. His participation in this mission not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores India’s growing footprint in the global space community.

PM Modi Hails Axiom-4 Launch, Calls Astronaut Shukla Symbol of India’s Space Aspirations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the successful launch of Axiom-4, calling it a proud milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla heads for the International Space Station. 

The Prime Minister wrote on X, "He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians." In a mission deemed crucial to India's 2027 Gaganyaan aspirations, the multinational crew consists of astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States.