Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set for June 25 Launch on Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to embark on a historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), now officially scheduled for launch on June 25, 2025. The announcement was confirmed by NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX on Tuesday, June 24.

The launch, which will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is slated for 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST) on Wednesday. This mission marks a significant milestone as it not only signifies India’s return to space through private collaboration but also includes astronauts from Hungary and Poland, making it a globally diverse mission.

Axiom-4 Mission Crew and Objectives

The Axiom-4 mission is a fully commercial human spaceflight venture, showcasing growing international partnerships in space exploration. The four-member crew includes:

• Commander Peggy Whitson (USA) – A veteran NASA astronaut and record-holder for the most cumulative time spent in space by an American.

• Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Representing India in his first mission to the ISS.

• Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Representing Hungary on his first orbital mission.

• Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – A Polish astronaut and European Space Agency engineer.

The team will travel aboard a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, powered into orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket, as part of a mission that aims to carry out microgravity experiments, conduct educational outreach, and evaluate long-duration commercial spaceflight capabilities.

Multiple Delays Before Final Launch Date

The Ax-4 mission has faced several delays due to technical concerns and safety evaluations. Originally scheduled for launch on May 29, 2025, the mission encountered a series of postponements caused by:

• A liquid oxygen leak identified in the Falcon 9 rocket’s booster system.

• Issues with the aging Russian Zvezda module on the ISS, which required leak checks and urgent maintenance.

• Additional time required for NASA to verify operational readiness of the space station following those repairs.

The launch was subsequently rescheduled for June 8, then June 10, followed by June 11, June 19, and most recently June 22. With those issues now resolved, the space agencies are confident in moving forward with the June 25 launch window.

Mission Timeline and Docking Details

Once launched, the Ax-4 crew will spend approximately 24 hours in transit before docking with the International Space Station. NASA has indicated a targeted docking time of 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on Thursday, June 26.

The crew will then integrate with the current ISS expedition team and begin their planned 14-day mission, during which they will:

• Perform scientific research in microgravity environments.

• Demonstrate new space health technologies.

• Engage in STEM outreach with schools and institutions across India, Hungary, and Poland.

• Collect data on space habitation and commercial crew performance for future missions.

India’s Private Spaceflight Milestone

Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in Ax-4 is significant for India’s private space ambitions. Although India has traditionally relied on its national space agency, ISRO, for astronaut missions, this marks a notable collaboration with private space firms like Axiom and SpaceX. It signals a shift towards commercial human spaceflight participation for Indian citizens, in alignment with India’s space sector liberalization policy announced in recent years.

Shukla, a former test pilot and aerospace engineer, has trained extensively with NASA and SpaceX to qualify for the mission. His flight also represents a new chapter in India’s evolving space diplomacy and could pave the way for greater international space cooperation.

What Comes Next After Ax-4?

Axiom Space continues to lead efforts in developing private space stations to replace the ISS, which is expected to be retired in the early 2030s. Each Axiom mission serves not only as a demonstration of commercial viability but also as a stepping stone toward long-duration missions, orbital tourism, and low Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructure development.

The success of Ax-4 will influence planning for Axiom Station modules, expected to launch by the end of the decade. For India, Poland, and Hungary, this mission also lays the foundation for future astronaut participation in collaborative international space programs.

Final Thoughts

The Axiom-4 mission, with Shubhanshu Shukla at the helm as India’s pilot, symbolizes a new era of global spaceflight cooperation. With a launch now firmly targeted for June 25, the mission stands as a testament to technological resilience, international collaboration, and the democratization of space access.

As the countdown begins, eyes from across the world—including India—will be watching this mission as it opens doors for new generations of astronauts, scientists, and innovators in the global space community.