ISRO Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set for Axiom Mission 4 in 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Space Mission
On June 10, 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will embark on a significant journey into space as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This mission is a collaborative effort involving NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. Shubhanshu's flight marks a milestone as he becomes the first astronaut from ISRO to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
The mission aligns with commitments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump to enhance collaboration in space exploration, highlighting the strengthening ties between India and the United States in the realm of space science.
The launch is scheduled to take place at 8:22 AM local time from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts will travel aboard the new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which will be launched using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS around 12:30 PM on June 11.
Leading the crew will be Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space. Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot, joined by Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, marking the first time astronauts from Poland and Hungary will participate in such a mission.
The astronauts are set to spend approximately two weeks at the ISS, where they will conduct various scientific experiments, promote education in STEM fields, and engage in commercial activities.
The #Ax4 crew checks on their #Dragon spacecraft before launch day. Watch the launch live at https://t.co/e8iLPFplbC. pic.twitter.com/2ZKVkLzAEC
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 7, 2025
Axiom Mission 4, the fourth private astronaut mission from @Axiom_Space, is targeted to launch at 8:22am ET, Tuesday, June 10, from @NASAKennedy to the orbital outpost. Watch live on @NASA+. https://t.co/Q17wlauNFC
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 4, 2025
Profile of Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an accomplished test pilot and astronaut with the Indian Air Force. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he completed his education at City Montessori School. Inspired by the Kargil War in 1999, he pursued a career in the armed forces, successfully clearing the UPSC exams. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy in 2005.
Following his military training, he was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006 as a Flying Officer. With around 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, he has established himself as a skilled combat leader and test pilot.
In addition to this mission, NASA and ISRO are collaborating on two joint scientific experiments and five educational programs focused on space technology. NASA has expressed its pride in this long-term partnership with ISRO and anticipates further collaborative efforts in the future.
The International Space Station has also announced the launch date via social media, celebrating this historic international mission.