NASA Axiom 4 Mission – ‘Here’s to Trump and Modi…’, US State Department lauds India-US collab on Ax4 launch

Following the visit of the Australian’s Governor Frances Adamson, the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission garnered international praises. “Massive achievement for India’s space power…South Australia is very keen to work with India…”

The SpaceX Dragon Ax-4 mission is orbiting toward the International Space Station. Shubhanshu Shukla and crew will dock to ther Harmony’s module space-facing port at 4:30 PM IST today, June 26.

As SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off with Axiom-4, Lucknow’s City Montessori School erupted in pride and celebration as alumnus Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soared into history. The 39-year-old IAF pilot became the second Indian ever in space and the first to reach the ISS. At CMS, students danced, parents wept with joy, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath hailed the feat as a “historic achievement.” The 14-day mission marks a major milestone in India’s space journey. From CMS classrooms to orbit, “Shux” carries the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians on a voyage of inspiration and scientific discovery.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became only the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. Piloting the Axiom Mission 4 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Shukla launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar called it a “proud moment for India,” urging every child to watch and be inspired. The mission, which includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary, will conduct over 60 scientific studies aboard the International Space Station. The targeted docking is scheduled for 4 PM IST on Thursday. NASA and ISRO are jointly supporting scientific investigations during the mission.

Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla’s historic journey aboard the Axiom-4 mission brought pride and emotion to his family in Lucknow, who watched the launch with “tears of joy.” His mother, Asha Shukla, got emotional, while his sisters wished for his safe return and future missions. Shukla, now orbiting Earth, hailed the mission as a step toward India’s Human Space Programme. His message from space echoed national pride: “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I am with all of you.” The SpaceX Dragon is scheduled to dock with the ISS at 4 pm IST on June 26.

The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is progressing as planned, with safe docking expected by tomorrow, said former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai. Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the mission marks a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS. Annadurai praised the rocket’s performance and expressed pride over India’s growing presence in space. Shukla’s emotional message about the Tiranga being a symbol of unity and pride was echoed by Annadurai, calling the mission a proud moment for Indians around the world.

India’s pride soared high as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla blasted off to the International Space Station aboard Axiom Mission 4, becoming the first Indian in space in 41 years since Rakesh Sharma. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah hailed it as a “proud milestone,” while Deputy CM DK Shivakumar called it a “moment of pride for every Indian.” BJP leader BY Vijayendra highlighted the feat as proof of India’s growing role in global space exploration under PM Modi’s leadership. The mission, launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, symbolizes a renewed chapter in India’s space legacy. Jai Hind echoed across leaders’ congratulatory messages.

India, Poland and Hungary are covering the costs for their astronauts’ flights. Hungary has revealed it will spend about $100 million for its seat—a figure announced in 2022—whereas India and Poland have not made their expenditures public.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for embarking on his space mission to the International Space Station, calling it a moment of immense national pride.

Taking to social media, Gandhi said,

“A proud moment for every Indian as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launches off on his journey to the International Space Station. 41 years after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, he now carries forward that legacy, inspiring every Indian. Wishing him and the team a safe and successful return. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

#watch | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Asha Shukla, the mother of IAF Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, turns emotional while cheering for her son as he embarks on the #axiommission4.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu lauds Shubhanshu Shukla for his feat in space exploration with the launch of the Axiom-4 Mission.

” As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian’s journey into the stars. He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 from the US, Poland and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. My best wishes for the success of this mission, which reflects the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO. The wide ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration.” – she writes on social media.

“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, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success! “

“This heralds the ascent of India to the pedestal of Viksit Bharat,” says Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh lauding the successful launch of the Axion-4 launch mission piloted by IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.

Teary eyed, emotional yet proud, Shubhanshu Shukla’s family members share a moment of immense joy as Axiom-4 Mission lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US.

Shubhanshu Shukla gave a heartfelt message to India minutes after lift off. “I am carrying the Indian tricolor on my shoulder…I am not alone”. He says that this journey marks a feat for “India’s human space flight journey”.

30 seconds into the flight, the Ax-4 crew is on its way to the International Space Station (ISS) onboard is Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu.

Auto-idle mode has been switched on in the Dragon and the lift off is just 10 secs away.

The final step before reversal, time has no way to stop now! Axiom-4 is down to its last 6 minutes and the SpaceX Dragon is set to configure for its journey.

The Ax-4 crew is ready for lift-off. Commander Whitson gives her thanks and honours her journey. Engine chills mark the final step before lift-off as engines ignite 2 seconds before lift off.

The Falcon 9 rocket being used for this mission is partially reusable. The first stage of the rocket will separate within the first three minutes after the launch, and will eventually return to Earth. The first stage of this particular rocket has already done one flight earlier.

Cryo loading in space flight refers to the process of loading cryogenic (extremely low-temperature) propellants like liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into a rocket’s fuel tanks. These propellants are crucial for achieving the high thrust needed for space travel, particularly for overcoming Earth’s gravity and reaching deep space destinations.

After clearing the troubleshooting problem, the crew has moved towards closing their visors, and a propellant lodge. Once last-minute checks pass, Shubhanshu Shukla and crew will be ready for lift off!

Just 5 minutes into the last hour, the propellant load will begin shortly, provided the trouble shoot is successful. Once that starts, Shubhanshu Shukla and the Ax-4 crew will be ready for takeoff.

Young children and teachers come together from schools to tune in to the live stream of the Ax-4 crew. Visuals from Jamshedpur feature in the official SpaceX stream as eager students from school wait for Shubhanshu’s lift-off.

The Ax-4 Mission Pilot was also part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan and has over 2000 hours of flying.

Less than 50 minutes remain for the Axiom-4 Mission lift-off. Officials from the NASA Communications and control room are “ready to support the launch”. Final inspections will be conducted 45 minutes before lift-off.

Troubleshooting reported during uploading weather conditions necessary before takeoff has been reported. The Ax-4 crew made it clear that without which the SpaceX Dragon will not be able to take off successfully.

The crew has spent over 35 days in the capsule to ensure their readiness. The private astronaut preparation included months of mechanics. They also travelled to Japan and Germany to learn techniques and earn certifications.

Altitude training and kayaking was one of the other highlights of the out-of-spacecraft training.

The Ax-4 crew has chosen a baby swan toy, named Joy, as their Zero-Gravity (G) indicator after lift-off.

The private astronaut mission Axiom-4 also carries research on tumours and cancer cells. With 60 experiments on-board, the human spaceflight will make discoveries, and perform research at the ISS.