ISRO invites nation to watch AX-4 launch as Shubhanshu Shukla to become 2nd Indian to ISS after Rakesh Sharma

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.”