After Sunita Williams' safe return, SpaceX Dragon will now fly an Indian astronaut on a historic mission

IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

India's space dreams are taking flight as Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for a historic journey. The Indian Air Force test pilot will join the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking India's presence in private space missions.

A New Chapter in Space Exploration
Following Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return on SpaceX's Dragon, focus now shifts to Ax-4. The mission, set for spring 2025, will take Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). This will be India's first participation in a private spaceflight.

Launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ax-4 will use SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The mission will last around 14 days, with a diverse team of astronauts.

The Crew and Mission Goals
Shukla, part of India's Gaganyaan programme, will join an experienced crew. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the mission. The team also includes European Space Agency astronauts Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

During their stay on the ISS, the crew will conduct scientific research and outreach activities. Commercial experiments will also be a key focus. The mission reflects growing international cooperation in space exploration.

ISRO and the Future of Spaceflight
NASA’s ISS Programme Manager Dana Weigel highlighted the importance of private missions. She noted they expand access to space and support research in microgravity.

ISRO will closely observe Ax-4, applying insights to India's Gaganyaan programme. Axiom Space, which aims to build the first commercial space station, sees this mission as a vital step.

As preparations continue, excitement builds around Shukla’s journey. His flight signals India's expanding role in human spaceflight and private space missions.