Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking a major milestone for India’s space ambitions and human spaceflight plans.
India’s Entry to the ISS
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an IAF officer, flew aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), piloting the mission.
- The mission was launched by Axiom Space from Florida and successfully docked with the ISS on June 27, 2025, over the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Shukla greeted the nation with “Namaskar from space” as the spacecraft orbited the Earth.
Significance for India
- First Indian on ISS: Shukla is the first Indian national to set foot on the International Space Station.
- Precursor to Gaganyaan: He is one of the four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, scheduled no earlier than 2026.
- Strategic Investment: ISRO invested over ₹500 crore in the Ax-4 mission to train and include Shukla and backup astronaut Prasanth Nair, preparing them for future crewed missions.
About Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
- The Dragon Crew Capsule carried four astronauts, including Shukla, and docked at the ISS after 28 hours.
- Live docking coverage was provided by NASA, with final docking completed at 4:15 p.m. IST.
- The team will stay two weeks aboard ISS, conducting research and maintenance.
Scientific Contributions
- The crew will carry out scientific experiments, including eight projects from ISRO.
- These studies are focused on space biology, material science, and space environment, relevant for India’s future human missions.
Global Collaboration
- The mission reflects growing India-U.S. collaboration in space.
- Axiom Space’s partnership enables India to gain experience in human spaceflight operations, prior to its own mission.
Way Forward
- This mission serves as vital training for Gaganyaan.
- India’s participation in international space missions enhances technical capabilities and global visibility in space exploration.
Conclusion:
India’s successful participation in the Ax-4 mission marks a turning point in its journey towards human spaceflight. It strengthens India’s readiness for the Gaganyaan mission and deepens its presence in global space missions.
