India

IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla To Become Second Indian In Space On Axiom Mission 4

India is poised to mark a historic milestone in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force prepares to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025.

The Centre officially confirmed his selection for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—a NASA-approved private spaceflight organised by Axiom Space.

Shukla will become the second Indian to journey into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s landmark 1984 mission aboard a Soviet spacecraft.

Government Hails Mission As Turning Point For Indian Space Program

Minister of State for Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, hailed the upcoming mission as a defining moment for India’s space journey. His remarks followed a high-level review of ISRO’s upcoming projects.

He also emphasised how this development complements the goals of India’s Gaganyaan programme, the nation’s first human spaceflight initiative.

Shubhanshu Shukla To Pilot Ax-4 Mission Alongside Space Veterans

Group Captain Shukla will serve as pilot on the Ax-4 mission, which will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson.

The international crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

The team will launch from Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, embarking on a mission expected to last up to 14 days on the ISS.

During their stay, the astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and participate in educational outreach initiatives.

Backup Pilot Also Named

Officials have named Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as Shukla’s backup for the mission.

The appointment ensures preparedness and continuity for what is a significant collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and private space ventures.

As India gears up for this landmark space mission, it strengthens its position as an emerging leader in global space exploration.

Also Read: Carl Pei Reveals Plans To Offset Tariff Impact With India-Led Export Strategy

Bharat Express English

Recent Posts

PM Modi Interacts With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard The ISS

PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the…

36 mins ago

Gautam Adani, Family Participate In Puri Rath Yatra; Launch Massive ‘Prasad Seva’ Initiative

Gautam Adani, along with his wife Priti Adani and son Karan Adani, joined thousands of…

1 hour ago

PM Modi, Leaders Pay Tribute To Former PM PV Narasimha Rao On Birth Anniversary

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on…

2 hours ago

Gautam Adani Hails Divine Experience At Rath Yatra; Praises Odisha’s Graceful Management

Gautam Adani conveyed profound spiritual emotions after witnessing the revered Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath…

2 hours ago

Punjab’s Litchis Reach Middle East Markets In Boost To India’s Fruit Exports

In a step towards diversifying India’s horticultural exports, Punjab has successfully shipped its first consignment…

2 hours ago

Dalal Street Sees Strong Activity Of IPOs In June As Market Sentiment Improves

India’s primary market experienced a surge in activity in June 2025 as investor sentiment toward…

3 hours ago