India is set to make a historic return to human spaceflight as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, 2025.
The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission will launch from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 6:41 PM IST after an initial delay from May 29.
Shukla’s mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft marks India’s first astronaut-led space expedition in over four decades, following Rakesh Sharma’s legendary spaceflight in 1984. Alongside him, the Ax-4 crew includes Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson (USA), who will command the mission.
During the 14-day stay at the ISS, Shukla will conduct seven microgravity experiments to advance India’s space research ambitions. These experiments align with India’s vision to establish its own space station by 2035 and launch astronauts to the moon by 2047. Indian space agency ISRO has planned unique food-based experiments, including growing fenugreek (methi) and moong (green gram) in microgravity conditions to study space agriculture.
Axiom Space and NASA confirmed the updated launch schedule following a review of upcoming missions. Shukla’s journey symbolises India’s leap forward in space exploration, reinforcing its growing influence in global astronautical research.
