In a moment that rekindled national pride and global curiosity, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the second Indian ever to journey into space on June 25, 2025—a full 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma etched his name in history aboard a Soviet space shuttle.
This mission isn’t just another ticket to orbit—it’s a powerful message. India isn’t watching from the sidelines anymore. It’s right back at the table of space exploration, this time with a commercial badge, international partners, and a whole new generation watching.
The Mission: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Shukla launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the privately funded Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The mission was a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, proving that the modern astronaut no longer wears just a government patch but carries the hopes of both public ambition and private innovation.
The four-member international crew featured:
- Peggy Whitson (USA) – Former NASA astronaut and commander of Ax-4
- Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – IAF Group Captain and mission pilot
- Sławosz Uznanski (Poland) – European Space Agency astronaut
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Payload specialist
Their destination? The International Space Station (ISS), where they will spend approximately two weeks conducting over 60 experiments—including seven designed by Indian researchers. Space isn’t just a frontier; it’s a floating laboratory now.
Meet Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla has logged over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and MiG-29. A test pilot by profession, he is a graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). That’s not just experience—it’s expertise with a helmet on.
Before liftoff, he credited his wife, Dr. Kamna, a dentist, as his “pillar of strength.” A deeply personal nod amidst a very public event. Behind every launch sequence, there’s a human story tethered to Earth.
Read more on Financial Express.
India’s Return to Space
This mission marked several milestones:
- First Indian in space via a private space mission
- First Indian to visit the ISS
- A symbolic bridge between legacy and future commercial collaborations
Back in 1984, Rakesh Sharma’s legendary phrase—”Saare Jahan Se Achha“—became a part of India’s collective memory. Now, Shukla follows his path, carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion people. “Even though I am the one travelling to space, this is the journey of the entire nation,” he said.
Global Collaboration, Indian Pride
The Ax-4 mission is more than a high-tech joyride. With seats priced at $65 million, it showcases a shift in how the world views space centers and space shuttles—not just as government territory, but as global platforms for science, business, and diplomacy.
With India’s own Gaganyaan program aiming for its first crewed mission by 2026–27, the country is no longer a guest in the international space race. It’s becoming a co-host.
Explore more via India Today.
Looking Ahead
Once docked at the ISS, Shukla will contribute to experiments in biotechnology, Earth sciences, and materials research. He will also participate in educational outreach to inspire youth and promote STEM, all while continuing India’s rich scientific legacy aboard the most advanced space center humanity has built.
This mission isn’t just a headline. It’s a statement: India is not just dreaming about the stars anymore. It’s flying among them.
More on Shukla’s onboard experiments here.
Final Thoughts
From Rakesh Sharma’s Soviet capsule to Shubhanshu Shukla’s SpaceX module, India’s space exploration journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and rising global stature. As the tricolor metaphorically orbits Earth again, one thing is clear:
India is back in space—and this time, it’s staying.
Enjoyed the read? Like, share, and drop a comment if you’d like more stories like this—where science meets spirit, and space becomes personal.