Countdown to History! Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Set for Historic Ax-4 Liftoff

Image Source: NorthEast India24

India is set to make history as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to launch aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and ISRO, will lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 10, 2025, at 5:52 PM IST.

1. Mission Details & Crew Composition

Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft.

Crew Members:

Mission Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA)
Mission Pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Mission Specialist: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland)

Mission Duration: 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments.

2. Scientific Research & India’s Contribution

Shukla will lead studies on muscle regeneration, crop growth in space, and the impact of digital screens on human eyesight.
The mission includes joint research projects between NASA and ISRO, strengthening India’s space collaboration.

3. How to Watch the Ax-4 Launch Live

Live Broadcast: Available on NASA TV, SpaceX’s official YouTube channel, and Axiom Space’s website.
Coverage Begins: 3:45 PM IST, two hours before liftoff.

4. India’s Space Legacy & Future Prospects

Shukla becomes India’s second astronaut in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.
His experience will contribute to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, planned for 2027.

Sources: India Today, Indian express, Mashable, The Hans India, News18