The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the astronaut-designate for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on June 10, 2025, Shukla will fly as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)-a collaborative space mission involving ISRO, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Axiom Space, and SpaceX.
The mission is projected to cost India more than Rs 500 crore, or over $60 million. At first glance, the price tag may appear high, particularly for a nation recognised for its budget-friendly space programs.
Shubhanshu Shukla: Lead Pilot for Axiom Mission 4
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a Test Pilot and Astronaut from the Indian Air Force. Originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he completed his schooling at City Montessori School. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he decided to pursue a career in the armed forces and cleared the UPSC examination. He went on to complete his military training and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy in 2005.
Following his graduation, Shukla was selected for the flying branch and trained at the Indian Air Force Academy. He was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF as a Flying Officer in June 2006. With around 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, he has since become a seasoned test pilot and accomplished combat leader.
What is Axiom Mission 4? India's Rs 500 Cr Investment in Space Mission
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a collaborative effort involving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Axiom Space, and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX). The mission aligns with the commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump to strengthen India-US space collaboration.
Axiom Mission 4 Launch Timing:
The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:22 am local time on 10 June. The journey is expected to last approximately 28 hours, with the crew scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station around 10 PM IST on June 11. After docking, they will spend 14 days aboard the station, undertaking scientific research, outreach activities, and various commercial projects.
Where to Watch the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Launch Live
You can watch the launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) live on NASA TV, Axiom Space's YouTube channel, and the official SpaceX stream. The live broadcast will begin at 6:15 AM ET (3:45 PM IST) on June 10, 2025.
Each platform will offer real-time coverage, commentary, and visuals of the launch as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first ISRO astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of this joint mission by NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX.
Axiom Mission 4: Mission Details and Crew
The astronauts will travel aboard the new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock at the ISS around 12:30 pm on 11 June. Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the crew.
Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot for this mission. Joining them are Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. This mission also marks the first time Polish and Hungarian astronauts will be aboard the ISS.
The crew will spend approximately two weeks at the ISS conducting various scientific experiments. Their activities aim to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education while also engaging in commercial ventures.
Nasa and ISRO are working together on two joint science experiments and five educational programs focused on space technology. NASA expressed its honour in collaborating with ISRO and looks forward to continued cooperation in space exploration.
Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair has been named as the backup astronaut for this mission. The announcement marks a proud milestone for India, as Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first ISRO astronaut to travel to the ISS.
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