Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Aboard the International Space Station in May 2025

NEW DELHI APRIL 19, 2025 — Marking a historic milestone in India’s space journey, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, named Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), is scheduled to launch in May 2025, according to a statement shared by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.

This will be India’s first human presence on the ISS, and Shukla will be the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet spacecraft in 1984.

Shubhanshu Shukla: Fighter Pilot Turned Space Pioneer

Shukla, originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, began his education at City Montessori School in Aliganj. After clearing the NDA entrance exam, he graduated from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006.

With over 2,000 hours of flight experience, Shukla is a highly experienced fighter and test pilot. He has flown advanced aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

Ax-4 Mission: Global Collaboration with SpaceX

The Ax-4 mission is a private commercial spaceflight by Axiom Space, in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. Four astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States will spend 14 days aboard the ISS.

They will travel aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a Falcon 9 rocket. Final launch dates will be confirmed based on readiness and final approvals.

The mission’s primary goals include:

• Scientific research in microgravity

• Testing space technologies

• Promoting international cooperation

• Inspiring educational outreach from space

Alongside Shukla, Slawosz Uznanski will represent Poland, becoming the second Polish astronaut since 1978. Tibor Kapu will represent Hungary, returning to space for the nation after more than four decades. Veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson will lead the mission — her second commercial spaceflight.

The Role of ISRO and International Space Collaboration

Under a strategic agreement between ISRO and NASA, Shubhanshu Shukla was selected for the Ax-4 mission. The initiative reflects India’s growing presence in global space missions and showcases its commitment to fostering scientific innovation and international collaboration.

Shukla’s participation also marks India’s entry into long-duration human spaceflight missions on the ISS, paving the way for future collaboration on commercial space stations and deep-space exploration.