Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become India’s second astronaut to travel into space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission. Shukla launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at 12:01 PM IST on June 25, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The crew includes astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, marking the first ISS visit for the latter two countries. After multiple delays caused by weather and technical issues, the mission successfully lifted off, with ISRO and government officials praising Shukla’s journey as a crucial milestone for India’s human spaceflight programme and a stepping stone towards the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
A Nation Watches as Shukla Blasts Off
The launch of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has captured the imagination of millions across India, with live coverage drawing huge viewership and celebrations erupting in his hometown of Lucknow. At 39, Shukla is a decorated fighter pilot with over 2,000 flying hours and extensive experience in test piloting, making him an ideal candidate for this historic mission.
Before liftoff, Shukla addressed the nation, saying, “As I embark on this journey into space, I carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. This mission is not just mine but belongs to every Indian who dreams of reaching the stars.” The Axiom-4 mission is the most science-intensive private spaceflight to date, with over 60 experiments planned during the 14-day stay aboard the ISS.
ISRO officials have emphasised that Shukla’s experience will provide invaluable insights and training for India’s indigenous human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027.
From Setbacks to Lift-off: The Road to Axiom-4
The journey to this successful launch was far from smooth. The Axiom-4 mission faced six postponements, largely due to unfavourable weather conditions and technical glitches, including a critical leak detected in the Falcon 9 rocket’s propulsion system and last-minute repairs on the ISS’s Russian module.
The final countdown was particularly tense, with a technical issue resolved just 60 seconds before an automatic abort could have been triggered. The mission is led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and Axiom’s Director of Human Spaceflight, with Shukla serving as the pilot and two mission specialists from Poland and Hungary, both countries making their maiden ISS visits.
This mission not only marks a significant achievement for India but also represents a milestone for Poland and Hungary, highlighting the growing international collaboration in space exploration. The success of Axiom-4 is widely seen as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan programme and a stepping stone towards establishing a permanent Indian presence in space in the coming decades.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic flight into space is a shining example of India’s scientific determination, resilience, and the power of global cooperation. His journey symbolises the collective aspirations of a nation eager to contribute meaningfully to humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.
At a time when the world faces numerous challenges, such milestones remind us of the importance of curiosity, dialogue, and empathy in advancing knowledge and fostering peace.
The Logical Indian celebrates this success as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young Indians, encouraging them to dream without limits and to pursue science and technology with kindness and purpose. As India reclaims its place among the stars, how do you think this renewed presence in space will influence our society, education, and international relations?
