Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s long journey to the stars is finally taking flight. From reading about Rakesh Sharma as a boy to now preparing for lift-off, the 39-year-old IAF officer will pilot Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission, Ax-4, heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla will lift off aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 8:22 am IST on June 10. This marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He will be joined by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission commander.
‘A journey larger than myself’
In a video shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed pride in representing India. He said he grew up inspired by Rakesh Sharma and felt lucky to live his dream of flying. He called the Ax-4 crew “friends for life” and said he hopes his story sparks curiosity in children back home.
“This journey started long ago. I never imagined it would lead here,” Shukla said. “If my story inspires even one child, it’s a success.”
The mission will carry him, along with ESA’s Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, to the space station. It will be the second government-sponsored space mission for all three nations since the 1980s. This is the first time any of them will fly aboard the ISS.
Shukla praised by international crew
The Ax-4 mission, according to Axiom Space, “realises the return” to space for these three countries. Shukla, a fighter pilot for 15 years, was praised by his fellow astronauts for his technical skills and sharp focus.
Whitson said Shukla’s operational experience made him an ideal pilot for the Dragon capsule. Kapu joked, “Shuk’s wisdom, the knowledge he possesses, he could be 130 years old.” Uznanski added, “He’s focused and unbelievably fast. I don’t know how.”
In his message, Shukla said, “These are moments when you realise you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
ISRO invites India to watch the launch
ISRO announced that the launch will be livestreamed on YouTube on June 10 from 3:45 pm IST. The organisation also celebrated Shukla’s milestone moment, calling it a major step in India’s space collaboration with NASA.
ISRO-NASA Mission to ISS India heads to the International Space Station! Join the YouTube LIVE on June 10, 3:45 PM IST liftoff at 5:52 PM! Watch here:https://t.co/2uFZNEzyax#BharatToISS #FutureOfScience #STEMInSpace #IndiaTowardsGaganyaan #DeshKiUdaan ISRO (@isro) June 9, 2025
The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed their final launch-day rehearsals on June 8.
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