“I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here. I am carrying the Tiranga and I’m very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing.” — Shubhanshu Shukla, from the ISS
On June 26, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the 634th person to enter space. He docked with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking India’s return to crewed spaceflight after decades. His 14-day stay highlights India’s growing presence in international space efforts and builds crucial experience ahead of the ambitious Gaganyaan mission.
🚀 Axiom-4 Mission Overview
Axiom-4 is a private, international spaceflight organized by Axiom Space (USA). It launched on June 25, 2025, using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and successfully docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025. The mission brings together astronauts from four different countries to conduct experiments in microgravity conditions.
Unlike government-only missions of the past, Axiom-4 represents the new era of commercial spaceflight, where private companies collaborate with space agencies to expand human presence in orbit. This 14-day mission supports research across biology, health sciences, and material science.
Think of Axiom Space like a private airline for space. Just as airlines fly passengers internationally, Axiom arranges trips to the ISS for astronauts from different countries, including India, to conduct research and gain experience in space.
👨🚀 The Multinational Crew
Axiom-4 showcases international cooperation in space exploration. The four-member crew represents a diverse group of nations working together aboard the ISS:
| Astronaut | Country | Role/Background |
|---|---|---|
| Peggy Whitson | USA | Mission Commander; Veteran NASA astronaut |
| Shubhanshu Shukla | India | Indian Air Force Group Captain; ISRO astronaut designate |
| Sławosz Uznański | Poland | ESA Reserve Astronaut |
| Tibor Kapu | Hungary | Space researcher studying health in microgravity |
Crew Nations: USA, India, Poland, Hungary — “UIPH” or remember “U.S. Invited Poland & Hungary” for the four-nation crew on Axiom-4.
👤 Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force officer selected by ISRO for astronaut training. Hailing from Lucknow, he represents the next generation of Indian spacefarers. His selection for Axiom-4 demonstrates India’s commitment to building indigenous human spaceflight capabilities.
Shukla is part of the Gaganyaan astronaut corps — the group of Indian astronauts training for India’s first indigenous crewed space mission. His experience aboard the ISS will provide invaluable insights for ISRO’s future human spaceflight programs.
While Rakesh Sharma flew on a Soviet spacecraft in 1984 and Kalpana Chawla/Sunita Williams flew as NASA astronauts, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to fly in space as an ISRO astronaut designate. This marks a shift from Indians flying for other agencies to Indians flying to prepare for India’s own missions.
🧪 Mission Objectives
The Axiom-4 mission has multiple scientific and outreach objectives:
- Microgravity Research: Conducting experiments in biology, health sciences, and material science
- Human Physiology Studies: Understanding how humans from different ethnic and climatic backgrounds adapt to space
- STEM Outreach: Engaging students worldwide through live education sessions from space
- Technology Demonstration: Testing new equipment and procedures for future commercial missions
Don’t confuse: Axiom-4 is NOT an ISRO mission. It is a private commercial mission by Axiom Space (USA) using SpaceX hardware. India participated through international collaboration, but ISRO did not organize or launch this mission.
🌍 India’s Growing Role in Space Diplomacy
Shukla’s participation in Axiom-4 strengthens India’s position in global space affairs. It demonstrates that India can:
- Train astronauts to international standards
- Collaborate with private space companies like SpaceX and Axiom Space
- Contribute to multinational research aboard the ISS
- Build partnerships for future space exploration
This mission follows India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing in 2023 and positions India as a serious player in the global space economy. The experience gained will directly benefit the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
🇮🇳 Connection to Gaganyaan
Gaganyaan is India’s flagship human spaceflight program, aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space aboard an indigenous spacecraft. Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 experience directly supports Gaganyaan by:
- Providing firsthand experience of living and working in microgravity
- Testing astronaut training protocols developed by ISRO
- Building operational knowledge about space station operations
- Strengthening international partnerships for future missions
Shukla is one of the four astronaut designates selected for Gaganyaan. His ISS mission serves as practical preparation before India attempts its own crewed spaceflight.
Gaganyaan Link: Shubhanshu Shukla is a Gaganyaan astronaut designate. His Axiom-4 flight = training for India’s own crewed mission.
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Shubhanshu Shukla became the 634th person to enter space when he docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025.
Axiom-4 was organized by Axiom Space, a private American company. SpaceX provided the Crew Dragon spacecraft for launch.
The Axiom-4 crew consisted of astronauts from four countries: USA (Peggy Whitson), India (Shubhanshu Shukla), Poland (Slawosz Uznanski), and Hungary (Tibor Kapu).
The mission duration was 14 days aboard the International Space Station.
Shubhanshu Shukla is a Gaganyaan astronaut designate. His Axiom-4 experience provides practical training for Indias indigenous human spaceflight program.
