Axiom-4 Mission: India's Shubhanshu Shukla leaves for space as SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off successfully

Liftoff of Ax-4! (Image: SpaceX)

A historic chapter in India’s space story unfolded today as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roared to life at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida — the very pad once used for the Apollo 11 Moon mission.

Shukla is now officially the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. But this lift-off holds another distinction — Shukla is the first Indian pilot of a commercial crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Liftoff of Ax-4! pic.twitter.com/RHiVFVdnz3

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Onboard a Pioneering Mission
The Ax-4 crew is flying aboard a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, heading for a planned docking with the ISS at around 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on June 26. Once docked, the crew will spend up to 14 days conducting a packed schedule of science experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities.

Commanding the mission is Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space. Joining her as mission specialists are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, alongside Shukla as pilot — representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

This mission is also a key stepping stone for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, planned for 2027.

Focus on Science and Innovation
Ax-4 carries the largest science load of any Axiom mission to date. More than 60 experiments and activities representing 31 countries are set to be performed during the mission. This includes collaborative research between NASA and ISRO, focusing on vital areas such as muscle regeneration, plant growth in space, survival of aquatic microorganisms, and how humans interact with electronic displays in microgravity.

The astronauts are also testing the cutting-edge Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit — a next-generation suit designed to support future lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis programme.

A Major Milestone for Private Spaceflight
This is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS, following successful missions in 2022, 2023, and early 2024. Each has expanded the role of commercial space exploration, bridging efforts between government agencies like NASA and private companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX.

The ISS continues to be a beacon of international cooperation and innovation. For over 24 years, it has hosted astronauts continuously, enabling scientific research that is impossible on Earth.

A Moment of National Pride
For Shukla, this mission is more than just a personal achievement. “It’s a responsibility and an honour. I hope this inspires every young mind back home,” Shukla shared before lift-off.

As India watches one of its own reach for the stars once more, this mission stands as a testament to the country’s growing footprint in space exploration — and a future where Indian astronauts will lead many more missions beyond Earth’s orbit.