Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make History with Axiom-4 Launch Mission as He Prepares to Soar Beyond Earth’s Limits

Space exploration has long been a segment that is dominated by a few powerful nations like the US, Russia, and China. However, over the past few years, India has taken a leap in the global space race with record-breaking satellite missions and has explored the moon and Mars. One of the striking names emerging these days is Shubhanshu Shukla, whose upcoming journey with the Axiom-4 mission will mark not just a significant moment for him, but also for India’s growing presence in private space adventures.

Axiom-4 Launch Timings:

Axiom-4 will launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The four astronauts headed for the ISS will be transported aboard SpaceX’s renowned Falcon 9 rocket. According to available information, the mission is scheduled to launch at 2 PM IST.

Ax-4 Mission | Launch https://t.co/qrESbnfRXe

— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 25, 2025

The Man Behind the Mission: Sudhanshu Shukla

Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut with deep roots in innovation and a passion for science. He has been selected to be a part of Axiom-4 launch mission. He is one of the four members who have been selected to fly to space as part of the Indian Human Spaceflight Program.

Shubhanshu Shukla is a combat leader and seasoned pilot with more than 2000 hours of flying experience. He is involved in the flying of several aircrafts including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

The Axiom-4 Launch: Why It Matters

Axiom -4 Space Mission is handled by the private space company called Axiom Space which is aims to make space more accessible. For India, Shukla’s role in the Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment and milestone that proves to be country’s depending footprint in the space technology and commercial aerospace sectors.

Under the Axiom mission, four astronauts will travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Among them, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot. Former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, will lead the mission as commander. Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, a project astronaut with the European Space Agency, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu will both serve as mission specialists.