Axiom‑4: ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla Pioneers India’s Commercial Leap

Caption: Shubhanshu Shukla

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) is a major international space mission led by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and India’s ISRO. Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission sends a private crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for 14 days. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the Crew Dragon capsule named Grace on its very first mission.
 
 

The Crew and India's Historic Role

The mission is commanded by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The pilot, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Air Force and ISRO, has made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight. The two other crew members are Sławosz Uznański from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Mission Commander:
Peggy Whitson (USA) – A highly experienced astronaut and retired NASA veteran. Whitson has previously completed multiple missions to the ISS and holds the record for the most cumulative time spent in space by an American astronaut. 

Pilot:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force, Shukla is the first official Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission aboard Soyuz T‑11. 

Mission Specialists:
Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Both are national representatives contributing to scientific and educational objectives of Axiom‑4, reflecting growing European collaboration in space missions.

Launch Challenges and Final Liftoff

The road to space is rarely smooth, and Axiom‑4 was no exception. Originally set to launch on June 10, 2025, the mission encountered a series of technical hurdles that tested the resilience and coordination of all partners involved. 

The first setback came on June 10, when a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak was discovered in the Falcon 9 rocket during final fueling checks. This issue prompted an immediate halt to the countdown, prioritizing safety over schedule. 

In the following days, between June 12 and June 14, further delays emerged due to technical concerns aboard the ISS, particularly a pressure issue in the Russian Zvezda module. NASA and Roscosmos had to ensure the station's integrity and crew safety before greenlighting the mission. At the same time, engineers at SpaceX continued making adjustments to the Falcon 9 systems to meet rigorous launch standards. 

By June 22, after days of detailed inspections and multinational collaboration involving NASA, SpaceX, ISRO, and Axiom Space, a new tentative launch window was identified. Every subsystem had to align perfectly—on Earth and in orbit. 

Finally, on June 25, 2025, at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST), the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Aboard was Crew Dragon Grace, embarking on its maiden voyage to the International Space Station. 

This launch wasn't just the start of a mission—it was a testament to global teamwork, problem-solving, and the shared pursuit of space exploration.

Scientific and Educational Objectives

 
The Axiom-4 mission is the most research-focused mission Axiom Space has ever undertaken, with more than 60 scientific experiments contributed by 31 countries. Among these, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla leads seven specialized experiments designed by Indian scientists, supported by ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology, and NASA.

These experiments are aimed at addressing key challenges in long-duration space travel, improving astronaut health, and advancing space agriculture and life sciences.


Key India-Led Experiments
 

1. Microalgae Growth in Space
   This experiment investigates how edible microalgae respond to microgravity and radiation. The goal is to explore their potential as a sustainable food and oxygen source for future space missions.
2. Cultivating Superfoods in Orbit
   Crops like green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) are being tested to see how well they grow in space. These are highly nutritious and may play an important role in supporting astronaut diets on long missions.
3. Muscle Repair in Microgravity
   Astronauts often experience muscle loss in space. This study evaluates whether specific dietary supplements can help regenerate muscle tissue in zero gravity.
4. Survival of Tardigrades
   Tardigrades, known for surviving extreme conditions, are being observed to see how they behave in space. The results could provide insights into biology and the possibility of life surviving beyond Earth.
5. Growth of Cyanobacteria and Crop Seeds
   This experiment looks at how cyanobacteria respond to different nutrient sources in space. It also tests the germination and growth of various crop seeds to understand how space farming could work.
6. Human-Machine Interaction in Space
   As astronauts rely on digital tools for navigation and tasks, this study explores how they interact with electronic displays in a weightless environment. The findings could lead to better designs for future spacecraft systems.

Educational and Outreach Goals

 
Beyond science, the Axiom-4 mission has a strong educational component. Shubhanshu Shukla is committed to inspiring students and promoting scientific curiosity across India.
 

• He will host live question-and-answer sessions with school students from space, including one with his former school, City Montessori School in Lucknow.
• A special interaction is also planned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Shukla will share his spaceflight experience and discuss India’s space journey.
• These efforts aim to ignite interest in STEM education and inspire a new generation of space explorers.

Medical and Long-Duration Space Research

 
Shukla is also contributing to international health studies, including a major experiment that focuses on how human glucose metabolism is affected by space travel. This research is important for understanding how to manage health conditions like diabetes in space and will help prepare for longer missions to the Moon and Mars.
 
 

Why These Experiments Matter

1. Biology
   Investigates sustainable food production and life-support systems that can function effectively in space environments.
2. Health
   Aims to improve astronaut well-being by studying nutrition, muscle regeneration, and metabolic changes in microgravity.
3. Technology
   Focuses on enhancing human-machine interaction, including how astronauts engage with digital systems in space.
4. Inspiration
   Builds a bridge between space science and education by involving students and leaders in live outreach from orbit.
5. Strategy
   Contributes essential knowledge and operational experience for India's future human space missions like Gaganyaan.

Representing Indian Culture in Space

 
Shubhanshu Shukla has taken a unique piece of India with him to space—its food. As part of his mission aboard the International Space Station, he brought along carefully prepared Indian delicacies. These aren’t just meals; they are symbols of India’s culture, tradition, and scientific progress.
 
Meals infused with tradition
His space menu features favorites like moong dal halwa, gajar halwa, aam ras (a mango-based dessert), and ready-to-eat rice dishes. These were vacuum-packed and freeze-dried to ensure they remain safe and tasty in microgravity. Each dish was tested to meet space standards while still preserving the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.

A product of space food research
These meals are a result of years of research done by Indian scientists for the Gaganyaan mission. ISRO and DRDO collaborated to create traditional yet nutritious food options that could be used for human spaceflight. Their inclusion in the Axiom‑4 mission represents not only cultural pride but also India’s scientific capability in preparing food suitable for space travel.

Beyond taste: a cultural connection
For Shukla, these dishes are more than comfort food—they’re a way to share his heritage with fellow astronauts. Sharing Indian food in space helps spark conversations about traditions and fosters connections across cultures. It turns every meal into a story, creating a sense of belonging even while orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth.

Scientific importance
These food items are also part of ongoing research. Scientists are studying how different ingredients, spices, and food textures behave in microgravity. The goal is to better understand how to maintain nutrition, morale, and a sense of normalcy during long space missions. This work could influence how food is prepared for astronauts on future journeys to the Moon or Mars.

 
By carrying Indian food to the International Space Station, Shubhanshu Shukla isn’t just nourishing his body—he’s feeding cultural pride, international friendship, and scientific progress. His presence in space reflects not only India’s journey to the stars but also its effort to carry a rich legacy into the future of exploration.

Importance for India’s Future in Space

 
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey on the Axiom‑4 mission is more than just a proud moment for the nation—it’s a stepping stone toward India’s long-term goals in space exploration.
 
 
1. Real Training for Real Missions

By living and working aboard the International Space Station, Shukla is gaining the kind of experience that can’t be taught in classrooms or simulators. He is learning how to handle a spacecraft, respond to emergencies, and perform tasks in a weightless environment. These skills are exactly what India needs as it prepares for its own crewed mission—Gaganyaan—in the near future. His time in space is like a hands-on rehearsal for India’s future astronauts.


2. Learning That Benefits Everyone

This mission also benefits India’s space agencies and scientists. Everything Shukla experiences—from how the body reacts in space to how equipment behaves—can help improve training, technology, and planning back on Earth. His feedback will guide future space missions, including India’s goal of building its own space station by 2035 and sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040.


3. Opening Doors for Indian Industry
 
India didn’t just send Shukla as a guest. This mission is fully funded by ISRO and the Indian government. It shows the world that India is serious about being a major player in the space industry. By joining a commercial mission like Axiom-4, India is showing that it can work with international partners and contribute to future private and public space ventures.
 
 

A Broader Impact

 
This mission holds importance at many levels:
 

• Training: It gives India firsthand experience for Gaganyaan and future space operations.
• Pride: Shukla is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, and only the third Indian to go to space—adding a new chapter to our history.
• Collaboration: Working with international space agencies and companies strengthens India’s global partnerships.
• Inspiration: His mission inspires young Indians to dream big and take interest in science, engineering, and space research.

Summary

1. Hands-on space experience for Shukla prepares India for human missions like Gaganyaan.
2. Valuable lessons from the mission help ISRO and scientists improve training and mission planning.
3. Global recognition shows India is ready to be part of the commercial space future.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is not just about reaching space—it’s about helping India rise as a global leader in space exploration.

Mission Timeline

• Launch: June 25, 2025, at 12:01 p.m. IST
• Docking at ISS: June 26 around 4:30 p.m. IST
• Duration in Space: Approximately 14 days
• Return: Early July 2025, aboard Dragon Grace

During their stay on the ISS, the crew will focus on scientific research, outreach activities, and preparations for future commercial space programs like Axiom’s own planned private space station.

A Defining Moment for India’s Space Journey

 
Axiom‑4 marks a powerful new chapter in India’s aspirations for human spaceflight. With Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla serving as pilot, this mission goes far beyond personal achievement—it reflects a nation stepping confidently into the global space stage.
 
Shukla is not just aboard as a participant—his role in piloting an international commercial spacecraft speaks volumes about the training, trust, and technical expertise India now brings to the table. His journey blends science, strategy, and symbolism in a way few missions have.
 
This is a milestone for India in multiple ways:
 

• Strategically, it signals India’s readiness to collaborate at the highest levels of international space exploration—working side by side with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space.
• Scientifically, it provides direct exposure to long-duration space research, crew systems, and microgravity operations, all of which will benefit future missions like Gaganyaan and beyond.
• Nationally, it boosts morale and unites people across generations who now see a fellow Indian reaching the stars again—this time from a globally integrated platform like the International Space Station.

In one of his most emotional reflections from orbit, Shukla said, “Tiranga tells me I’m never alone.” These words echo far beyond the walls of the ISS. They capture the spirit of a mission carried on the shoulders of dreams—of scientists, engineers, students, and citizens who believe in India’s place among the stars.
 
As 1.4 billion Indians look up, they see not just a flag, but a future. Shukla’s journey is living proof that India’s space program is not only growing—but maturing, collaborating, and leading. Axiom‑4 isn’t just another mission; it’s a moment when India stepped into orbit with purpose, pride, and promise.