India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Embark on Historic Space Journey with Axiom Space
In Brief:
• Axiom Space's fourth human spaceflight mission
• Shubhanshu Shukla aka “Shux” heading to the International Space Station
• Led by seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson
Over a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced him as a future astronaut for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, known as Shux, is ready to make his first trip into space on Wednesday — a mission that could mark a pivotal moment in India's space legacy.
Shukla will board the Ax-4 mission, a two-week-long scientific journey to the International Space Station (ISS). He’ll travel alongside astronauts from the United States, Poland, and Hungary under the banner of Axiom Space, a private company focused on making space exploration more accessible and eventually launching its own commercial space station.
As the pilot of the mission, Shukla will ride aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule, which will be launched into orbit by a Falcon-9 rocket. The scheduled liftoff time is 5:30 PM IST, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
From Launch Pad to Space Docking
Despite encountering several technical hurdles, weather delays, and rescheduling, the mission is finally set for liftoff. Commanding the operation is Peggy Whitson, a highly experienced NASA astronaut, who will oversee all critical stages — from launch and orbital maneuvering to docking and re-entry.
After launch, Falcon-9 will carry the Dragon spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere. It will then spend over 28 hours in microgravity before precisely navigating to and docking with the ISS. If everything stays on schedule, docking is expected to happen on June 26 at 4:30 PM IST.
Seven Bold Indian Science Experiments in Space
During his 14-day mission, Shukla will carry out seven Indian-designed experiments crafted by researchers from across the country. These are meant to generate insights critical for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight and future long-duration missions.
According to ISRO scientist Tushar Phadnis, who leads Microgravity Platforms and Research, this international partnership with Axiom Space will give Indian scientists crucial exposure to operational conditions in space.
Key studies Shukla will conduct include:
• Seed germination tests to understand how microgravity affects plant growth, which could help shape space nutrition systems for Indian astronauts.
• Research on tardigrades, tiny organisms known for their survival abilities in extreme conditions.
• Investigations into muscle regeneration in a zero-gravity environment.
• Observations on how cognitive performance is impacted by using digital interfaces in space.
These efforts aim to tackle both the biological and psychological challenges that astronauts face on extended missions.
Direct from Orbit: Inspiring India
Apart from the scientific work, Shukla is expected to engage in two major outreach events — including a live space-to-Earth conversation with PM Modi and interactive sessions with students from Indian schools and colleges, aimed at sparking interest in space science.
Ahead of the big launch, he delivered a heartfelt message:
"To every Indian — this mission belongs to all of us. I hope it inspires millions. Pray for its success, and remember: even stars are within reach."
From Fighter Cockpit to the Cosmos
From serving as a combat pilot and test flight leader to now becoming an astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is ready for his most ambitious adventure yet. With the nation cheering him on, he’s about to represent India on a global space stage — boldly flying toward the future we’ve only dreamed of.
Discription:
"Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, also known as Shux, is set to launch into space aboard Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Discover how his 14-day science expedition marks a major milestone for India’s space ambitions and Gaganyaan program."