What unique experiments will Shubhanshu Shukla conduct in space?

Shubhanshu will experiment with growing methi (fenugreek) and moong daal in microgravity-part of India's research into sustainable food sources for long-duration space travel. He'll also study hardy organisms like tardigrades and muscle loss in zero gravity.

Who are the other astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission?

Shubhanshu is part of a four-member international crew including John Shoffner (USA), Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), and Norbert Kraft (Hungary). This mission highlights global collaboration in space research.

Can people in India watch the ISS pass overhead during Shubhanshu’s mission?

Yes, the NASA "Spot the Station" tool allows users in India to track when the ISS will be visible to the naked eye-usually just before dawn or after sunset.

Shubhanshu Shukla Blasts Off To Space: India’s Dreams Now In Orbit

By Riny John

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 12:39

It's 25 June 2025 and India is writing a new chapter in its space exploration saga as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has embarked on a journey to the International Space Station. Nearly four decades after Rakesh Sharma's iconic mission, the country watches with pride as a new hero takes flight this time, as part of a global, cutting-edge private mission.

A New Era For Indian Space Exploration

India's space ambitions have long been nurtured by the vision of scientists, pilots, and engineers. Today, those dreams find tangible form in the figure of Shubhanshu Shukla, who lifts off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian scientist to join a commercial, high-tech space expedition to the ISS.

This moment has been years in the making-delayed, prepared for, and now, finally realised.

Meet The Man Behind The Mission

Born and raised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu's journey began in the National Defence Academy, eventually leading him to pursue an M.Tech from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. In 2006, he earned his wings as a pilot in the Indian Air Force, accumulating over 2,000 hours of flight time in fighter jets-a career marked by discipline, precision, and passion.

Selected in 2019 for India's Gaganyaan mission, Shubhanshu underwent exhaustive training in both Russia and India, laying the foundation for what would become a historic mission through a different route.

Mission Highlights: Science In Space

The Axiom-4 mission is more than just symbolic. During his 14-day stay on the ISS, Shubhanshu will engage in over 60 scientific experiments. These include:

Studying microgravity's effects on the human body
Testing space food and nutrition modules
Conducting biological research
Evaluating new space technologies

Each of these experiments contributes to the advancement of human knowledge in long-duration space travel, crucial for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mahuamoitrafans/

The Investment Behind The Vision

India has fully funded Shubhanshu's participation in this mission. A reported ₹548 crore has been paid to Axiom Space, a private American aerospace company, covering everything from training and travel to a custom-designed space suit and research equipment.

Interestingly, Shubhanshu receives no additional salary or per-hour compensation for his role. His mission is fuelled purely by national commitment and scientific aspiration, a perfect example of service above self.

A Long-Awaited Launch

The Axiom-4 mission has faced multiple delays, each one testing the patience of not just the space community but also a country eager to witness its next astronaut in orbit. Today, the wait ends. With the four-member crew now at the Kennedy Space Center's launchpad, the countdown begins for a journey that connects India's past space triumphs with its bold future.

More Than A Launch: A Legacy In Motion

For the younger generation, Shubhanshu represents more than a uniformed officer headed for the stars-he's a symbol of perseverance, ambition, and possibility. His mission brings space closer to India's youth, reminding them that science and service can go hand in hand, and that global collaborations are the future of exploration.

Looking Up, Together

As the world tunes in to watch Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's spacecraft break through Earth's atmosphere, it isn't just a technical achievement we're witnessing. It's a shared moment of national pride and global unity-a reminder that boundaries blur when we look beyond our skies.

In a time where division often dominates headlines, this mission serves as a rare, uplifting milestone. Shubhanshu carries with him not only India's tricolour but also the dreams of a nation, the hopes of countless students, and the legacy of those who paved the way.

The stars may seem distant, but today, they feel a little closer.

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