New Delhi

If all goes well, the Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla into space, will launch at 12:01 PM (IST) from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, marking the presence of the second Indian in space –after a gap of 41 years – and hopefully the first one to be into the International Space Station (ISS).

Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom 4 mission is set to launch to the ISS onboard a Dragon spacecraft on June 25, and the spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station on June 26.

The crew will make their way to the orbiting laboratory aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, propelled by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. They are aiming for docking at around 7 AM EDT (4:30 PM IST) on Thursday, June 26.

before taking off, he said, "I carry with me not just instruments and equipment but hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. These artefacts represent the spirit of our country in space and I carry them with deep pride."

The four Astronauts of the Axiom 4 mission

Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and the current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command this commercial mission. Alongside her, the ISRO ((Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot. Joining them are two mission specialists: ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Once they dock, the private astronauts plan to spend approximately two weeks aboard the International Space Station, engaging in a mix of scientific research, outreach efforts, and commercial activities.

NASA will oversee integrated operations, which commence during the spacecraft's approach to the space station. This oversight continues throughout the crew's stay as they conduct various activities and concludes when the spacecraft departs.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a pilot with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and has been chosen as one of four astronauts for India’s exciting Gaganyaan mission, which will be the country’s first-ever human spaceflight.

He posted on X:

41 साल बाद फिर अंतरिक्ष में लहराएगा भारत का परचम।

जय हिन्द 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/qMD3xTeutj

— Shubhanshu Shukla (@IndiaInSky) June 21, 2025

Shukla, a native of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, completed his schooling at City Montessori School, Aliganj. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he independently applied for and cleared the UPSC NDA examination.

Shukla is an accomplished aerospace engineer and decorated test pilot. He is known for his pioneering research on spacecraft safety and human factors in spaceflight.

He has trained with both ISRO and NASA, speaks four languages, and is passionate about Inspiring Indian youth to pursue STEM careers.

Shubhanshu will suit up in NASA's latest pressure suit, customized with an Indian tricolour patch of his name in Hindi and English.

On his wrist he wears the Omega Speedmaster Moonwate, a legendry timepiece used in every crewed NASE mission since Apollo, symbolizing precision and endurance.

Shula also carried the taste of India into the space with the Freeze-dried moong dal halwa, gajar ka halwa, and Aamras made from Malihabadi mangoes, Vegetable biryani, dal, rajma, khichdi, roti, and basmati rice, snacks like spicy khakhra and dried mango.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has crafted a selection of meals specifically designed for astronauts on space missions. 

Initially intended for the Gaganyaan mission, these food items are now being provided to Shukla with NASA's endorsement.

Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/tVMgdnJboN

— Shubhanshu Shukla (@IndiaInSky) June 17, 2025

As part of collaboration between NASA and ISRO, Axiom Mission 4 fulfills a commitment previously highlighted by President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station.

The two space agencies will collaborate on five joint scientific investigations and two in-orbit STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) demonstrations, reflecting their long-standing partnership aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing space collaboration.

Axiom-4 will arrive at the International Space Station and dock with it on Thursday (June 26) at 4:30 PM IST, about 28 hours after launch! 🚀

(Assuming on-time liftoff tomorrow at 12:01 PM IST) pic.twitter.com/XlLHAYEfPQ

— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 24, 2025

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This private mission also marks a historic opportunity, as it will be the first time astronauts from Poland and Hungary stay aboard the International Space Station.