In a landmark moment for India’s cosmic aspirations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, of the Indian Air Force, achieved what no Indian has before: stepping aboard the International Space Station (ISS). On June 26, 2025, following a flawless docking sequence, Shukla became the first official Indian national to enter the ISS, commencing a 14‑day mission dedicated to pioneering scientific research in microgravity.
🚀 A Historical Return to Human Spaceflight
Forty‑one years after Rakesh Sharma soared into orbit aboard the Soviet Salyut‑7 in 1984, Shukla has reignited India’s presence in manned space missions . Yet while Sharma circled Earth, India’s participation in spacewalks and station stays had remained dormant—until now. Shukla didn’t merely reach space; he became the first Indian citizen to physically step onto the ISS .
The Mission: Axiom‑4 & Collaborations
Shukla’s voyage was aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’, launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) Alongside him are:
- Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut),
- Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznanski‑Wiśniewski (Poland),
- Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Docking occurred on June 26 at about 4:01 pm IST, followed by hatch opening and a warm welcome by ISS Expedition‑73 members
Microgravity Experiments: Seven Led by Shukla
During the upcoming 14‑day mission, the Ax‑4 crew will conduct around 60 experiments spanning technology, biology, and advanced manufacturing. Notably, Shukla will lead seven critical microgravity studies, including ISRO‑designed projects . The experiments span seed germination, human physiology, and material science—data crucial for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission scheduled for 2027.
A Triumph of International Cooperation
Ax‑4 highlights the synergy between ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. This collaborative structure not only underscores India’s active role in global space exploration but also sets the stage for future missions, including building experience towards India’s domestic human spaceflight efforts .
Personal Journey & National Pride
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shukla soared through the ranks of the Indian Air Force, earning a BSc in Computer Science and an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore. A seasoned fighter and test pilot, he has over 2,000 flying hours, tying deeply with his astronaut credentials . Married to Kamna Shukla, a dentist since their school days in Lucknow, the couple shares a six‑year‑old son. Shukla’s emotional last message to his wife highlighted the personal sacrifices behind this historic mission .
Celebrations Across India
From space to home, India’s leadership and public turned out in force:
- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated Shukla, proclaiming a “proud moment for India” .
- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh praised the mission as India ascending from passenger to partner in space .
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his pride and blessings for the mission’s success
Looking Ahead: From Ax‑4 to Gaganyaan
Shukla’s ISS stint both supports and feeds into India’s Gaganyaan project. As the first crewed Gaganyaan flight (Gaganyaan‑4) looms in 2027, mission hours, technical know‑how, and public inspiration from Ax‑4 are invaluable . With 14 days of pioneering work in microgravity, Shukla is effectively blazing a trail for India’s next giant leap in space.
A New Era for India in Space
Shubhanshu Shukla’s odyssey engraved him into India’s cosmic legacy. As he floats gracefully in microgravity aboard the ISS, ‘Namaskar from space’ echoes across a billion hearts below . For India, this is more than a mission—it’s a signal: we are here, we are ready, and we are reaching for the stars.
Key Timeline
- June 25, 2025 (12:01 pm ET): Ax‑4 launch from Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX Dragon
- June 26, 2025 (4:01 pm IST): Docking with ISS Harmony module
- June 26–July 10, 2025: 14‑day ISS stay with 60 experiments in microgravity
About Shubhanshu Shukla
- Born: October 10, 1985 | Lucknow
- Rank: Group Captain, IAF
- Academic: NDA, IAF Academy, IISc MTech
- Logged 2,000+ flight hours on Su‑30, MiG‑29, Jaguar, Dornier, and more
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