Indian Astronaut Shubanshu Shukla Set for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla is preparing for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This mission marks a significant milestone for India, returning to space after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma's historic flight. Delays due to technical issues have pushed the launch date, but Shukla is ready to conduct vital experiments in collaboration with NASA. The mission will also involve interactions with prominent figures and aims to contribute to future space endeavors, including ISRO's Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.
| Jun 14, 2025, 16:56 IST
Shubanshu Shukla's Upcoming Space Journey
Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla is scheduled to embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, alongside three other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission. This announcement was made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Initially, the astronauts were slated for launch on May 29, but the mission faced delays due to a liquid oxygen leak detected in the Falcon 9 rocket provided by SpaceX. The launch was subsequently postponed to June 8, 10, and 11.
Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will lead the commercial mission. Shubanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot, while the mission will also include two mission specialists: Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Tibor Kappo from Hungary.
Overview of the Axiom-4 Mission
The Axiom-4 mission symbolizes India's return to space 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's historic flight aboard the Soviet Soyuz mission in 1984. According to NASA, "The crew will travel to the orbital laboratory aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 12:30 PM EDT (10:00 AM IST) on Wednesday, June 11." During their 14-day stay at the ISS, the Axiom-4 crew plans to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students, and leaders from the space industry.
Shubanshu Shukla is set to conduct specialized food and nutrition experiments developed under a collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) with NASA's assistance. He will expose seeds to macrobiotic conditions and bring them back to Earth, where they will be cultivated over multiple generations.
ISRO has prepared a series of seven experiments for Shukla, who will also participate in five joint studies planned by NASA for its human research program. The experience gained from the Axiom-4 mission will be invaluable for ISRO's Gaganyaan spaceflight mission, which is scheduled for 2027. The cost of the Axiom-4 mission is estimated at ₹550 crores.
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