Axiom 4 Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force Group Captain is the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 which lifted off on June 29 at 12 noon. Launched from Falcon 9 and aboard the SpaceX Dragon, Shubhanshu Shukla and three others took off from Florida. A moment of pride for India, Shukla made a heartfelt speech. He said, “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India’s Human Space Programme.”
Shukla’s inclusion in this mission signals a growing global recognition of Indian talent in space exploration. Selected by ISRO in 2019, Shukla underwent rigorous astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, preparing him for human spaceflight and equipping him with the skills to operate in extreme conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
A decorated officer in the Indian Air Force since 2006, Shukla brings with him over 2,000 hours of flying experience across aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar. He was promoted to Group Captain in March 2024, reflecting his exemplary service record. His call sign for the Axiom-4 mission is ‘Shux’.
PM Modi also congratulated the young space-star on his journey and wished for the mission’s success.
We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US.
The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025
Axiom-4 Mission
The Axiom-4 mission aims to push boundaries in microgravity research, life sciences, and AI systems for space habitats. Shukla is expected to play a crucial role in biomedical experiments, space health monitoring, and cross-agency collaboration efforts. His presence also symbolises India’s deepening role in global space programmes, as he carries with him not only his own training but also India’s aspirations of becoming a leading player in human spaceflight.
As the crew docks with the ISS for a fourteen-day stay, Shukla is expected to work alongside international astronauts on key scientific payloads and experiments. His journey is being celebrated across India, with citizens and scientists alike hailing it as a proud moment for the nation’s space sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Shukla’s selection as one of the astronauts preparing for India’s Gaganyaan mission, expected to launch in 2025. His participation in the Axiom-4 mission is seen as a precursor and preparation for that landmark event, offering ISRO valuable experience and international exposure.
As Shubhanshu Shukla settles into orbit aboard the ISS, his mission not only represents a personal triumph but also a step forward in India’s ambitious space odyssey—paving the way for future astronauts and the nation’s expanding cosmic frontier.