After delays, Axiom-4 with India’s Shukla set for launch today

By | June 25, 2025
Axiom-4 crew including Shubhanshu Shukla preparing for India ISS launch

The wait is finally over. After enduring six rescheduling setbacks, the Axiom-4 mission is poised to take flight today, June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Making this mission historic for India is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a pilot from the Indian Air Force, who is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

This marks a significant leap in India’s space journey, as the country edges closer to its own indigenous manned spaceflight mission—Gaganyaan. But today, all eyes are on Shukla and his three international crewmates as they prepare to embark on a 14-day mission that promises science, diplomacy, and inspiration.

Meet the Axiom-4 Crew

The Axiom-4 crew consists of four accomplished astronauts from different nations:

  • Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA) – A seasoned space explorer and record-holder with years aboard the ISS.
  • Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India) – Representing India and the Indian Air Force on his maiden space voyage.
  • Sławosz Uznanski-Wiśniewski (Mission Specialist, Poland) – An ESA reserve astronaut and nuclear physicist.
  • Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary) – Representing Hungary’s contribution to global space exploration.

Together, they will travel aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule C213, a spacecraft newly designated for this mission.

Why This Mission Matters for India

Shukla’s presence on this mission is far more than symbolic. It represents India’s increasing integration into global space efforts. While Rakesh Sharma remains India’s first astronaut in space (1984, via the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission), Shukla will be the first Indian to set foot on the ISS, the hub of international space research.

This mission also serves as a critical stepping stone for the Gaganyaan project, ISRO’s own human spaceflight program, expected to launch its crewed mission by 2026.

The Launch: Date, Time & Viewing Details

  • Launch Date: June 25, 2025
  • Launch Time: 2:31 a.m. EDT / 12:01 p.m. IST
  • Location: Kennedy Space Center, Launch Complex 39A, Florida
  • Live Stream: Available on NASA TV, Axiom Space’s official YouTube, and SpaceX’s platforms

The launch was previously delayed due to weather conditions, scheduling issues with the ISS, and logistical coordination. But with all green signals in place, the crew is now ready to launch into low Earth orbit.

What Will the Crew Do on the ISS?

During their 14-day stay aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct over 60 scientific experiments, spanning fields like biotechnology, medicine, environmental science, and materials engineering.

Shukla himself will lead seven experiments, curated in collaboration with ISRO, DRDO, and academic institutions. These include:

  • Studying algae and cyanobacteria in microgravity for food and oxygen generation.
  • Research on seed germination and plant growth in space environments.
  • Observations of tardigrades, the famously resilient microscopic organisms.
  • Testing how microgravity affects protein crystallization and cell development.

These studies aim to enhance our understanding of how life functions beyond Earth—critical for future long-duration missions and space colonization efforts.

Symbol of International Cooperation

The Axiom-4 mission is not just a scientific endeavor; it’s a diplomatic and commercial collaboration involving NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and multiple space agencies from around the world.

India’s involvement through Shukla showcases its growing reputation as a responsible space power. It also reflects the democratization of space travel, with increasing participation from countries that have traditionally been on the sidelines of manned spaceflight.

Public Reaction and National Pride

Across India, there’s a surge of national pride and excitement. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #ShubhanshuShuklaInSpace and #IndiaInISS. Schools and universities are hosting live viewing events, using the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

India’s Prime Minister and ISRO officials have praised the mission, calling it a “historic moment for India’s youth and scientific community.”

What’s Next for Shukla?

After completing the mission, Shukla will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere aboard the Dragon capsule, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean. Post-mission, he is expected to collaborate with ISRO and DRDO to translate space research into real-world applications, especially in agriculture, defense, and education.

His journey will likely fuel greater interest in India’s human spaceflight capabilities, possibly positioning him as a key figure in the Gaganyaan astronaut corps.

Final Thoughts

The Axiom-4 mission is a beacon of what global cooperation in space can achieve. For India, it is a moment of immense pride and promise. As Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to launch into history, his mission reminds us that space is not just the final frontier—it’s a shared one.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a proud Indian, or just a curious onlooker, today’s launch is worth watching. It’s more than a rocket firing into the sky; it’s a statement of ambition, unity, and the limitless potential of human endeavor.