In Pics: From Pad 39A to Orbit — Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Axiom‑4 Mission

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force, has made history by becoming the first Indian in space since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 mission. He is now aboard the Axiom Mission 4, launched in collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, marking India's renewed presence in human space exploration after over four decades.

The Axiom-4 mission lifted off successfully aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT) on June 25, 2025. The mission will reach the International Space Station (ISS) after approximately 29 hours, docking with the Harmony module around 4:30 PM IST (7 AM EDT) on June 26.

🇮🇳 Hindi Message from Space: "We Are Back After 41 Years!"

Roughly 10 minutes after liftoff, Group Captain Shukla delivered a heartfelt message in Hindi from aboard the Dragon capsule:

"Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second."

"The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey is not just to the ISS but marks the beginning of India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be a part of it. Let your chest swell with pride. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!"

Vande Mataram Sets the Tone for the Mission

In a symbolic and emotional gesture, Shukla chose the "Vande Mataram" song from Hrithik Roshan's 2024 film Fighter to play as he was transported to the launchpad. This is part of a NASA tradition that allows astronauts to pick music to accompany them before launch.

The patriotic anthem, sung by Vishal Dadlani with remix lyrics by Kumaar and original lines by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, celebrates India's resilience, unity, and pride. The lyrics - "No dream but a celebration - in every vein of India, victory is the habit" - resonated with the mission's spirit.

Why 400 km Takes 29 Hours: The Science Behind It

Despite the ISS orbiting only 400 km above Earth, the journey takes almost 29 hours due to complex orbital mechanics. The Dragon spacecraft must initially orbit in a lower altitude and then conduct several phasing maneuvers to align with the ISS, which moves at nearly 28,000 km/h. Multiple burns and trajectory corrections ensure safe docking.

This deliberate timing is essential, as the ISS completes a full orbit of Earth every 90 minutes. The Dragon capsule's orbit must "catch up" with the ISS during its cycles, ensuring precise synchronization and docking.

Who Is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Group Captain Shukla is a decorated fighter pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours on jets such as the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. He is one of the four astronauts trained under ISRO's Gaganyaan programme, selected for his operational excellence and leadership.

A Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, Shukla incorporated yoga and mindfulness into his training, showcasing his dedication to both physical and mental preparation for long-duration space travel.

Who Are the Other Astronauts on Ax-4?

The Axiom-4 mission crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During this time, they will conduct nearly 60 scientific experiments, specifically tailored to leverage the microgravity environment for advanced research in fields such as biotechnology, physics, and material science.

The international crew includes:

Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), former NASA astronaut

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Indian Air Force pilot

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), ESA astronaut candidate

Tibor Kapu (Hungary), Hungarian Air Force officer

This multi-national team represents a diverse blend of experience and emerging space programs, showcasing how commercial and governmental partnerships are reshaping space exploration.