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India Confirms First ISS Mission with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in May

Group Captain Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, marking a historic step in India's space ambitions and operational readiness for future missions.

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Overview

  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to fly aboard Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station in May 2025.
  • This mission will make Shukla the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 flight on a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.
  • The Ax-4 mission, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule, is a $60 million collaboration aimed at gaining hands-on experience for India’s future crewed space programs, including Gaganyaan.
  • Shukla, a decorated test pilot, will conduct seven experiments on microgravity and life sciences in partnership with NASA and ESA, advancing India's scientific expertise in space.
  • The mission underscores India's growing role in international public-private space partnerships and its commitment to becoming a leader in human space exploration.