The Axiom-4 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is unfolding as planned with the spacecraft steadily approaching the International Space Station (ISS). The crew is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, capping a 28-hour journey from Earth to low Earth orbit.
NASA, in a statement, noted that the mission is a significant step in expanding access to space, involving four private astronauts. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 2:31 am EDT on Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Onboard are Commander Peggy Whitson, a US NASA astronaut; pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut; along with ESA’s Polish project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu from the HUNOR programme.
“Congratulations to Axiom Space and SpaceX on a successful launch,” said acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. She credited former President Donald Trump for bolstering international participation and commercial partnerships in low Earth orbit, allowing astronauts from India, Hungary and Poland to fly to space after four decades.
Safe Docking At ISS Is Key Now, Says Former ISRO Scientist
According to ANI, former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai said that the mission was progressing without issues and that the next crucial milestone was the safe docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the ISS. “I think everything went as planned… Safe docking at the International Space Station tomorrow is the main thing expected now… Every Indian is happy,” he said.
Annadurai commended the synergy between the Falcon 9 rocket and the Axiom capsule, highlighting the successful recovery of the rocket’s first stage. “The Falcon 9 and this Axiom-4 combination have worked well… This particular Dragon vehicle is a new one, and it is going very smoothly,” he added.
Reflecting on Shukla’s remarks—“The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India’s Human Space Programme”—Annadurai remarked, “This moment is not just for those in India but for every Indian across the world. Everyone will rejoice.”
A Historic Return To Human Spaceflight After Four Decades
The launch marks India’s return to human spaceflight after a gap of 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 space mission. Shukla, born in Lucknow, is only the second Indian to undertake a space journey. The Dragon spacecraft successfully entered Earth’s orbit at an altitude of 200 km, with Shukla later describing the experience as “Kamaal ki ride thi” (It was an amazing ride).
The astronauts are expected to remain aboard the ISS for 14 days, during which they will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including studies in human physiology, seed germination, and nutrition in microgravity. The mission will also feature food that reflects the astronauts’ cultural heritage—Indian curry and rice with mango nectar, Hungarian paprika paste, and Polish pierogies.
Footage released showed the four astronauts in their white-and-black flight suits, seated side-by-side inside the capsule. The new Dragon capsule was christened “Grace” by the crew. “Good things come to those who wait. Godspeed to the maiden crew of Grace,” SpaceX conveyed to the astronauts.
Ax-4 is go for launch! pic.twitter.com/mnGATK01gf
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 25, 2025
‘This is the Journey of 1.4 Billion People’: Shubhanshu Shukla
Ahead of the launch, Shukla expressed his hopes to inspire the next generation in India. “I truly believe that even though I, as an individual, am travelling to space, this is the journey of 1.4 billion people,” he said.
His alma mater, City Montessori School in Lucknow, celebrated the occasion with cheers, emotional scenes, and dance. “It’s a great moment not just for us but for our country… My blessings are always there with my son,” said his father Shambhu Shukla, as quoted by PTI.
His sister, Suchi Shukla, shared that they spoke with Shubhanshu in the morning. “He sounded confident, calm, and happy that the moment he had prepared for so long had finally arrived. He must have been nervous, but he didn’t show it.”
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh congratulated the astronaut and hailed the mission. “As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud,” President Murmu posted on X.
PM Modi noted, “He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.” The Union Cabinet also adopted a resolution wishing him success.
Former astronaut Rakesh Sharma sent a video message: “Greetings from India. Wishing you all the very best. To the crew – Godspeed and spend as much time as possible looking out of the window. Have a fun time guys.”
The Indian Air Force described it as a “deja vu” moment, calling the mission a reaffirmation of the nation’s growing space ambitions. The IAF shared an image of Shukla with the caption: “Trained in Blue, Bound for the Stars.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also conveyed their best wishes on X. Jaiswal noted that Shukla would be conducting microgravity experiments for India’s R&D and academic institutions.
Originally scheduled for May 29, the launch faced multiple delays due to technical glitches and weather conditions. After nearly a month-long quarantine, the mission finally took off, delivering on a commitment made between NASA and ISRO under a strategic partnership emphasised by leaders of both nations.
