As the SpaceX Dragon soars high above Earth, one special passenger carries the hopes of a nation. Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is living his space dream, heading towards the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission.
The spacecraft lifted off from Kennedy Space Centre and is set to dock with the ISS around 7 am EDT (4.30 pm IST) on 26 June. The capsule, flying 250 miles above Earth, will complete a 28-hour journey before joining the orbiting laboratory.
Packed With Science and Global Collaboration
Once docked, the crew will stay for 14 days, carrying out over 60 scientific experiments and outreach programmes. These projects represent 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, UAE, Nigeria, and Brazil.
NASA and ISRO are jointly leading studies on muscle regeneration, plant growth, aquatic microbes’ survival, and how humans use electronic displays in zero gravity. The crew is also testing the AxEMU spacesuit, designed for future Moon missions under NASA’s Artemis programme.
Meet the Mission Crew
Commanding this historic mission is Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Axiom’s human spaceflight director. Alongside her are mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Group Captain Shukla serves as the pilot, representing the Indian Space Research Organisation.
The mission is an important step toward India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, expected in 2027. It also continues the push for private space exploration, with Axiom following earlier private missions in 2022, 2023, and early 2024.
Pride for India and Beyond
Before launch, Shukla shared, “It’s a responsibility and an honour. I hope this inspires every young mind back home.”
For India, this mission rekindles the spirit of Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984. As the nation watches, this journey signals a future where more Indian astronauts will rise beyond Earth’s skies.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
