Axiom-4 Mission: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Approaches ISS Docking
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and ISRO astronaut, is on the verge of docking with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The crew launched successfully from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, embarking on a 14-day orbital journey filled with scientific discoveries.
A Historic Journey Takes Off
The Falcon 9 rocket carried the Dragon capsule into orbit, lifting off after nearly a month of postponements. This mission underscores Shukla’s significant milestone as only the second Indian to travel to space, representing a remarkable achievement for India’s space ambitions.
Meet the Axiom-4 Crew
- Shubhanshu Shukla – Mission pilot and Indian Air Force Group Captain
- Peggy Whitson – Commander, US astronaut with extensive spaceflight experience
- Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski – Mission specialist from Poland
- Tibor Kapu – Mission specialist from Hungary
Known affectionately as “Shux” by his team, Shukla will play a vital role during the autonomous docking process, closely monitoring trajectory, orbital data, and ISS movements. The Dragon spacecraft is slated to dock with the space-facing port of the Harmony module on the ISS at approximately 7 a.m. EST (4:30 p.m. IST) on June 26.
Scientific Endeavors and International Collaboration
Once docked, the crew will embark on multiple microgravity experiments — over 60 in total — with Shukla slated to lead about seven of these research initiatives. The mission highlights collaborative efforts between NASA and ISRO, including:
- Five joint science investigations
- Two in-orbit demonstrations focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
This collaboration not only advances scientific knowledge but also strengthens ties between international space agencies.
Looking Ahead
The successful docking and the forthcoming experiments aboard the ISS mark a key chapter in the Axiom-4 mission. Shukla and his team’s work will contribute valuable insights into microgravity research while showcasing India's growing footprint in human space exploration.
