On 25 June 2025, history was made as Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launched successfully aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a diverse, multinational crew to the International Space Station (ISS). Among the astronauts was Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, marking India’s first human presence in space since 1984.
This mission not only symbolises a leap in international cooperation in space but also celebrates India’s emotional return to human spaceflight after a 41-year gap — a milestone that rekindles public imagination, pride, and aspiration.
The Mission: Axiom-4 – A Private Leap Towards Orbital Research
Axiom Space, a Houston-based commercial space company, partnered with NASA and SpaceX to launch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — the company’s fourth private mission to the ISS. Unlike traditional government-funded missions, Axiom’s goals are ambitious: to build the world’s first commercial space station and conduct groundbreaking microgravity research through private astronauts.
๐ Key Launch Details:
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Date of Launch: 25 June 2025
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Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9
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Spacecraft: Crew Dragon “Grace”
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Launch Site: Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
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Docking at ISS: 26 June 2025
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Mission Duration: ~14 days aboard the ISS
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Mission Focus: Microgravity experiments, international scientific collaboration, and commercial research
The Crew: A Truly Global Team
Axiom-4 features a four-member crew, each representing a different nation and background — making this one of the most diverse crews in private spaceflight history.
๐จ๐ 1. Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA)
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NASA’s veteran astronaut
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Holds the record for most cumulative days in space by a U.S. astronaut (665 days)
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This marks her fifth spaceflight
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Brings leadership and extensive life sciences experience
๐จ๐ 2. Subhanshu Shukla (Mission Specialist, India)
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Indian Air Force pilot
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First Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma (1984)
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Represents a resurgence of Indian human spaceflight ambition
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Carries scientific payloads and participates in biology and materials science experiments
๐จ๐ 3. Sลawosz Uznaลski-Wiลniewski (Pilot, Poland)
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ESA astronaut candidate
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Represents Poland’s first crewed space mission since 1978
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Background in particle physics and systems engineering
๐จ๐ 4. Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary)
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Hungarian engineer and researcher
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Focuses on biomedical research in space
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Marks Hungary’s first human spaceflight in over 40 years
Subhanshu Shukla: India’s New Star in the Sky
Born and raised in India, Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla has served as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and is known for his exceptional service and training record. His selection for the Ax-4 mission came through a collaboration between Axiom Space and international defence organisations.
๐ฏ His Role in the Mission:
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Mission Specialist: Performs scientific experiments, assists in ISS operations
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Payloads: Carries Indian-developed research kits related to plant biology, stem cell growth, and fluid behaviour in microgravity
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Representation: Acts as a cultural and scientific ambassador for India aboard an international commercial mission
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Outreach: Plans post-mission educational tours and student engagement in India to inspire the next generation of scientists and space enthusiasts
Shukla's participation is symbolic of India’s readiness for space diplomacy, private space partnerships, and future astronaut programmes.
The Journey So Far: How It Started
Axiom Mission 4 was originally scheduled for launch in early June 2025 but was delayed multiple times due to safety checks, weather conditions, and NASA coordination. After meticulous planning, the launch window opened on 25 June, and the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off flawlessly from Florida.
Upon reaching orbit, the Crew Dragon “Grace” performed a series of manoeuvres before docking successfully with the ISS on 26 June, where the crew was welcomed by existing ISS residents. The crew is now fully engaged in executing scientific tasks.
Mission Objectives on the ISS
The Ax-4 astronauts will spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, focusing on the following:
๐ฌ Science & Research:
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Studying biological cell behaviour in microgravity
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Testing new materials and fluid dynamics in space environments
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Contributing to long-duration spaceflight studies
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Working with international payloads, including those from India, Europe, and the US
๐ฐ️ Commercial Collaboration:
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Axiom Space is testing equipment and procedures for its planned commercial space station modules, which will attach to the ISS before eventually becoming a standalone orbiting station
What Comes Next: Return and Re-entry
At the end of their mission, the Ax-4 crew will undock from the ISS aboard the Crew Dragon and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida.
๐ Expected Return: Around 10 July 2025
(Exact date to be determined based on mission operations and weather)
Why This Mission Matters to India
While ISRO is actively developing its own human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan, expected by 2026–27), Subhanshu Shukla’s mission marks India’s renewed presence in human space activity through international collaboration.
This mission:
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Reignites national pride for spaceflight, after a 41-year gap since Rakesh Sharma
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Demonstrates India’s global capability in defence, science, and astronaut training
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Inspires youth and STEM engagement across the country
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Strengthens public-private global partnerships, paving the way for future missions
Conclusion: A Moment of Pride for the Nation
Subhanshu Shukla’s journey aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 is far more than a personal achievement — it is a symbol of India’s re-entry into human spaceflight on a global stage. With cutting-edge research, international unity, and private innovation coming together, this mission stands as a beacon of what the future holds: a new era of space exploration led by diverse, collaborative voices.
India is back among the stars — and this time, the countdown to the future has already begun.
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