Launched Aboard SpaceX Falcon-9
The Ax-4 mission launched successfully at 12:01 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shukla, alongside veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish engineer Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian scientist Tibor Kapu, lifted off inside SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft aboard a Falcon-9 rocket.
This two-week mission marks a breakthrough for India as Shukla becomes the first Indian to serve in an operational role at the ISS, acting as the pilot responsible for monitoring systems, executing maneuvers, and ensuring crew safety.
What Sets This Mission Apart
- Shukla is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
- First Indian to pilot a commercial space mission.
- Over 60 experiments to be conducted, including seven from India.
- Focus areas: biomedicine, cognitive science, microgravity effects.
A Global Collaborative Effort
The mission represents a rare blend of commercial, academic, and international cooperation. NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, and private partner Axiom Space collaborated closely to ensure the safety and precision of the operation. Despite earlier delays due to technical issues in the ISS’s Russian Zvezda module, the mission proceeded after successful evaluations.
Shukla’s Preparation and Role
Shukla underwent months of rigorous training with NASA, ESA, SpaceX, and the Russian Gagarin Centre. His previous 2,000+ flying hours as a test pilot added to his readiness. In this mission, he plays a critical role in overseeing flight controls, emergency procedures, and manual docking if necessary.
India’s Vision Beyond Ax-4
This milestone is strategically aligned with India’s upcoming
Gaganyaan mission — the country’s first indigenous crewed spaceflight. Shukla’s participation not only boosts India’s confidence on the global space stage but also accelerates ISRO’s ambition to develop long-duration space capabilities.
Voices From the Ground
In an emotional video from orbit, Shukla said, “I carry the dreams of a billion people. Even stars are attainable.” His hometown of Lucknow erupted in joy, and messages of pride poured in from across India. Social media is flooded with the hashtag #IndiaInSpace.
What’s Next for the Crew?
The Dragon capsule will dock with the ISS at approximately 4:30 PM IST on June 26. Post-docking, the astronauts will enter the ISS after safety checks. During their stay, they’ll carry out high-impact experiments in medical science, agriculture, and material physics.
Upon mission completion, the crew will splash down off the coast of California, bringing with them critical data that could revolutionize research and future manned missions.
India’s Space Milestone: More Than Just a Launch
Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of India’s growing space leadership. It bridges military aviation, commercial spaceflight, and scientific exploration. With the Gaganyaan mission on the horizon, India has officially entered a new era in space research and collaboration.
