Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission Launch highlights: Indian astronaut's historic journey to space begins with Falcon 9 lift-off

The Axiom-4 crew is expected to dock with the International Space Station around 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on June 26, after a 28-hour journey aboard a new SpaceX Crew Dragon. Once docked, they will be welcomed by the ISS’s seven current occupants—three Americans, one Japanese astronaut, and three Russian cosmonauts. The crew will spend up to 14 days on the station, carrying out scientific research, educational outreach, and commercial activities, contributing to international space collaboration and India’s growing role in human spaceflight.

‘From Skies to Stars’: The Indian Air Force hailed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic space mission as a proud moment for the nation. In a post on X, the IAF wrote, “From conquering the skies to touching the stars — a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of an IAF Air Warrior.” The Force called it a “déjà vu” moment, recalling Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight. Shukla’s mission marks India’s renewed push towards human spaceflight under ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme, reflecting the country’s growing ambitions in space exploration.

Read More: ‘From Skies to Stars’: IAF hails Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic space mission

Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: Shubhanshu Shukla heard this song before lift-off

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla tuned into Yun Hi Chala Chal, composed by AR Rahman, just before his spacecraft lifted off from Kennedy Space Centre.

“What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years,” said Axiom-4 pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla in an emotional message from orbit. Speaking aboard SpaceX’s Dragon, he expressed pride carrying the Tiranga on his shoulders and called it a historic step towards India’s Human Space Programme. His words echoed joy, pride, and inspiration for every Indian watching this moment unfold.

Read More: “What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years,” says Axiom-4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla in heartfelt message from orbit | Watch video here

Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: Dragon has separated from Falcon 9’s second stage

Dragon has separated from Falcon 9’s second stage

Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: India’s Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to space Begins

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.

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

Falcon 9 has successfully lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, marking the start of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic Axiom-4 mission. Shukla becomes the first Indian to pilot a commercial crew mission to the International Space Station. He and his crewmates are now heading to orbit for a 14-day scientific mission. This launch is a proud milestone for both Shukla and India’s expanding role in global space exploration.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared his excitement before the Ax-4 launch, calling it a life-changing moment. He said it felt surreal to realise he would finally fly to space. “You don’t know how to respond to such things,” he added.

Shukla expressed gratitude for being part of something much bigger than himself. He said this mission is his sincere attempt to inspire the next generation in India. “If my story can change even one life, it will be a huge success,” Shukla said he hopes to spark curiosity and passion for space among young minds across the country, as reported by ANI.

The Axiom-4 mission has faced five delays since its original launch date of May 29. Issues included Crew Dragon’s electrical harness, Falcon 9 rocket readiness, poor weather, a liquid oxygen leak, and a fault in the ISS’s Russian Zvezda module. On June 10, ISRO advised further repairs and testing. The launch, initially rescheduled for June 22, was again put on hold after technical concerns arose during final checks with SpaceX and NASA. NASA said it needs more time to assess space station operations following repairs to the Zvezda module. Due to the ISS’s interconnected systems, engineers are ensuring everything is safe before allowing new crew members aboard. NASA confirmed on X that it is “standing down” from Sunday’s launch window to prioritise crew safety.

Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: Dragon hatch sealed, suit checks done, Axiom-4 set for launch

SpaceX announced the Axiom-4 crew is ready for launch to the ISS as Dragon’s hatch is closed, seats are rotated, and all communication and suit checks are complete, according to a post shared on X.

Read More: Axiom-4 Mission set for launch: Dragon hatch secured, suit checks done

SpaceX has confirmed that weather conditions are 90% favourable for the lift-off. "All systems are looking good for Wednesday’s launch of @Axiom_Space’s Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station. The webcast will begin at 12:30 a.m. ET," SpaceX shared on X.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, riding atop a Falcon 9 rocket, is set to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This historic site is the same launch pad used for Apollo 11, which carried Neil Armstrong to the Moon in 1969. The launch is scheduled for 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST) on Wednesday, June 25.

Welcome to Our Live Blog for the Axiom-4 Mission!

Join us as we witness history in the making. Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic journey in 1984. Today, he launches aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Stay tuned with us for live updates, countdown moments, and everything you need to know about this historic spaceflight.