Axiom‑4: India's ISS Return
Axiom-4 mission launch (Credit: Hindustan Times)
🚀 Mission Launch Overview
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) successfully lifted off on 25 June 2025 at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule "Grace".
📍 Where are they going?
The crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is traveling to the International Space Station (ISS), a habitable satellite in low Earth orbit approximately 400 km above Earth's surface. The ISS is a multinational collaborative project involving NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada).
Docking Schedule
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock at the International Space Station on 26 June 2025 around 4:30 PM IST (7:00 AM EDT).
🧑🚀 Crew Composition
- Commander Peggy Whitson (USA) - Former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space's director of human spaceflight
- Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) - Senior Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut; becomes the first Indian to travel to the ISS
- Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland)
- Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary) - Marking these nations' first crewed ISS visits in over 40 years
🗓️ Mission Significance & Objectives
Breakthrough in International Partnerships
The fourth commercial astronaut mission to the ISS, Ax‑4 underscores expanding global collaboration in low Earth orbit operations.
India's Milestone & Gaganyaan Precursor
Shukla's flight signifies India's return to crewed space missions after 41 years and aligns with the upcoming Gaganyaan programme.
Scientific Agenda
Over 60 scientific and technical investigations from 31 countries, including 7 Indian microgravity experiments, focusing on areas like microalgae for space nutrition, diabetic medicine research, plant biology, cancer therapy, and tardigrade biology.
Medical Research Spotlight
Studies include how microgravity affects glucose levels and the performance of insulin delivery systems—potential benefits for diabetes management on Earth.
🇮🇳 National Pride & Personal Touch
Statements from Indian Leadership
PM Narendra Modi lauded the mission as emblematic of the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians and India's renewed space role. President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Science Minister Jitendra Singh, CM Yogi Adityanath, and CM Naidu all expressed strong support and pride.
Tribute from Rakesh Sharma
India's first astronaut congratulated Shukla, advising him to "spend as much time as you can looking out of the window" and wished the crew "Godspeed!"
Family Celebrations
Hailing from Lucknow, Shukla's family performed traditions like Sundar Kand recitations and puja rites in his honor, with his mother watching liftoff live.
✉️ Shubhanshu Shukla's Voice
During ascent, Shukla addressed the nation:
"Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years... The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I am with all of you... This journey... is to India's Human Space Programme."
Personal mementos include carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, mango nectar, and a symbolic gift for Rakesh Sharma, highlighting cultural pride and respect.
📈 Mission Timeline & Next Steps
| Phase | Key Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 25 Jun 2025 | Liftoff at 12:01 PM IST from Kennedy Space Center |
| Docking | 26 Jun 2025 | Scheduled mission docking around 4:30 PM IST |
| Mission Duration | ~2 weeks | Research, outreach, and technical operations aboard the ISS |
| Return | Early July 2025 | Post-mission Earth re-entry and data analysis |
🧭 Summary
Axiom‑4 marks a historic step for India—returning to crewed space missions after 41 years, breaking new ground in international space cooperation, and advancing both space-based science and national ambition. With a blend of formal scientific scope and heartfelt cultural significance, this mission is a milestone in the global and domestic trajectory of human spaceflight.
