<p>“The sky is never the limit—neither for you, nor for me, nor for India,” said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking from space during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 28). Modi spoke with Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla has already made history as the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, and only the second Indian ever in space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.</p><p>The IAF Group Captain is joined on the station by three other international astronauts: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, Peggy Whitson from the United States, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.</p><p>During their virtual conversation, Modi told Shukla: “You may be the farthest from Indian soil, but you are the closest to the hearts of its people.” Modi added that Shukla’s mission marks a Shubh Aarambh—a new and hopeful beginning for the youth of Bharat.</p><p>This heartfelt exchange sparked a wave of nostalgia, reminding Indians of another iconic moment in the country’s space history: when Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, had a live chat with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. When she asked how India looked from space, Sharma famously replied: “Saare jahaan se achha Hindustan hamara.”</p><h3>What is the Axiom-4 mission?</h3><p>Shukla is now part of the Axiom-4 mission, a private spaceflight aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The mission is historic not just for India but globally. It includes astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, and features over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries.</p><p>Shukla will also carry out research designed by ISRO and Indian institutions, including studies on muscle strength, cognitive response, and gut health in microgravity.</p><p>Axiom Space’s long-term goal is to build the world’s first commercial space station, which will eventually replace the ISS after it retires.</p>

This heartfelt exchange of words sparked a feeling of reminiscence, reminding every other Indian of another iconic moment in Indian space history: when Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to sail in space, had a live chat with then Prime Minister Iron Lady Indira Gandhi.

“The sky is never the limit—neither for you, nor for me, nor for India,” said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking from space during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 28). Modi spoke with Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla has already made history as the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, and only the second Indian ever in space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The IAF Group Captain is joined on the station by three other international astronauts: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, Peggy Whitson from the United States, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. During their virtual conversation, Modi told Shukla: “You may be the farthest from Indian soil, but you are the closest to the hearts of its people.” Modi added that Shukla’s mission marks a Shubh Aarambh—a new and hopeful beginning for the youth of Bharat. This heartfelt exchange sparked a wave of nostalgia, reminding Indians of another iconic moment in the country’s space history: when Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, had a live chat with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. When she asked how India looked from space, Sharma famously replied: “Saare jahaan se achha Hindustan hamara.” What is the Axiom-4 mission? Shukla is now part of the Axiom-4 mission, a private spaceflight aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The mission is historic not just for India but globally. It includes astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, and features over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries. Shukla will also carry out research designed by ISRO and Indian institutions, including studies on muscle strength, cognitive response, and gut health in microgravity. Axiom Space’s long-term goal is to build the world’s first commercial space station, which will eventually replace the ISS after it retires.

<p>This heartfelt exchange of words sparked a feeling of reminiscence, reminding every other Indian of another iconic moment in Indian space history: when Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to sail in space, had a live chat with then Prime Minister Iron Lady Indira Gandhi.</p>

‘Saare Jahaan Se Achha’ moment 2.0: PM Modi’s call with Shubhanshu Shukla sparks memories of Indira Gandhi–Rakesh Sharma space chat

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey.</p><p><br>Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word <i>'Shubh'</i> (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘<i>shubh-aarambh’</i>, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘<i>gajar ka halwa’</i>, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! <a href="https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA">https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1938945641528643735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>When asked about his well-being and how it felt to be in space, Shukla replied: “This journey isn’t just mine, it belongs to the entire nation. As a child, I couldn’t have imagined becoming an astronaut.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Prime Minister offered heartfelt congratulations, saying, “My voice carries the collective enthusiasm of all Indians. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for raising India’s presence in space."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, pictures of the interaction were shared by the Prime Minister's Office on its official X handle.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post read: “PM @narendramodi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During their 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates, mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)—will conduct more than 60 scientific and outreach experiments. These include studies in cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing. Shukla will lead seven of the projects, contributing to what Axiom describes as its most ambitious research agenda yet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The mission also highlights growing international partnerships in space. The Ax-4 mission was made possible through collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), following a commitment by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi to deepen cooperation in human spaceflight. It marks a key step in commercial space engagement and India’s expanding space diplomacy.</p>

Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a historic moment as the Indian Air Force officer became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, serving as mission pilot on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Prime Minister also shared a video of the exchange on social media platform X, calling it a ‘wonderful conversation’ and praising Shukla for his milestone achievement in India’s space journey. Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word 'Shubh' (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘shubh-aarambh’, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth. The conversation also included a light-hearted moment about ‘gajar ka halwa’, a traditional Indian dessert. PM Modi asked, “Did you and the other astronauts eat the gajar ka halwa there?” to which Shukla responded that they enjoyed the sweet, along with other Indian treats he had carried aboard the ISS.

<p>Highlighting the symbolic value of Shukla's name, the Prime Minister remarked that the word <i>'Shubh'</i> (auspicious) in his name marks a ‘<i>shubh-aarambh’</i>, an auspicious beginning for a new era of space exploration and scientific aspiration for India’s youth.</p>

'All well up there?': PM Modi speaks to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station

<p>NASA astronauts have cumulatively spent thousands of days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), enabling critical research into the effects of long-duration space travel. Among them, seven have stood out for their exceptional time spent in orbit, shaping our understanding of human endurance and systems vital for deep space exploration. The agency maintains two key metrics: time spent on a single spaceflight and cumulative time across an astronaut’s career. While Frank Rubio holds the record for the longest single mission at 371 days, it is Peggy Whitson who leads overall with a total of 675 days in space.</p>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>List Of Astronauts:-</h2><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Astronaut</td><td>No. of days</td></tr><tr><td>Peggy Whitson</td><td>675</td></tr><tr><td>Sunita Williams</td><td>608</td></tr><tr><td>Don Pettit</td><td>590</td></tr><tr><td>Jeff Williams</td><td>534</td></tr><tr><td>Mark Vande</td><td>523</td></tr><tr><td>Scott Kelly</td><td>520</td></tr><tr><td>Mike Barratt</td><td>447</td></tr></tbody></table></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2><strong>Leading the list: Peggy Whitson to Mark Vande Hei</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Peggy A. Whitson tops NASA’s cumulative time-in-space chart with 675 days over multiple missions, including a recent nine-day stint on the Axiom-2 mission in 2023. She is currently commanding the private space mission led by Axiom Space to the ISS. Sunita L. Williams follows with 608 days, having participated in four missions, known especially for her spacewalks and marathon in orbit.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Don Pettit is third with 590 days, contributing significantly to science and engineering aboard the ISS. Jeff Williams comes next with 534 days over four missions, the last of which was in 2016. Mark Vande Hei logged 523 days in total, 355 of which were from a single long-duration mission between 2021 and 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Completing the top seven: Scott Kelly and Mike Barratt</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Scott Kelly, known for his nearly year-long stay on the ISS, accumulated 520 days in total. In 2016, Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko completed a historic 340-day mission aboard the ISS. His mission yielded valuable insights into the physical and mental effects of long-term spaceflight.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rounding out the list is Mike Barratt, with 447 days across two missions. Mike went on two missions. Each of these astronauts played a crucial role in the ongoing research into human health, spacecraft systems, and life-support technologies, advancing NASA’s preparations for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Axiom-4 mission was launched on Wednesday with four crew members, includes Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut, who holds the record for highest cumulative days in space.

NASA astronauts have cumulatively spent thousands of days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), enabling critical research into the effects of long-duration space travel. Among them, seven have stood out for their exceptional time spent in orbit, shaping our understanding of human endurance and systems vital for deep space exploration. The agency maintains two key metrics: time spent on a single spaceflight and cumulative time across an astronaut’s career. While Frank Rubio holds the record for the longest single mission at 371 days, it is Peggy Whitson who leads overall with a total of 675 days in space.

<p>The Axiom-4 mission was launched on Wednesday with four crew members, includes Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut, who holds the record for highest cumulative days in space.</p>

Who’s spent the most time in space? NASA’s top 7 astronauts, including Axiom-4’s Peggy Whitson

<p>Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for a 2029 space mission led by Titan Space Industries, a US-based private space research agency. The mission, set to launch in 2029, will be commanded by retired NASA astronaut Colonel William McArthur Jr. It will involve orbiting the Earth twice, with nearly three hours of continuous zero gravity, designed for scientific research and human spaceflight advancement. Jahnavi’s selection is an important step in India’s growing presence in international private space efforts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Who is she?</strong></h2><p>Jahnavi, who studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, was the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP). She was also the youngest foreign Analog Astronaut at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. Her past work includes contributions to asteroid discovery through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), and public engagement in STEM outreach, including talks at ISRO events and NITs. Her astronaut training begins in 2026 and will span spacecraft systems, simulations, survival drills, and medical evaluations.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Path to Titan Orbital Port Space Station</strong></h2><p>The 2029 mission is tied to the Titan Orbital Port, an advanced space infrastructure project by Titan Space Industries. The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats. She has previously trained in zero-gravity simulations, space suit operations, and planetary mission conditions, part of her wider preparation for long-duration missions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jahnavi's parents, Padmasri and Srinivas reside in Kuwait. With a profile that spans research, outreach, and international collaborations, she represents a new wave of Indian professionals in global space exploration. She acknowledged the opportunity on social media, “This mission is for all of us who look up and imagine the impossible,” she wrote. Jahnavi has received multiple awards, including the People’s Choice Award at the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the Young Achiever Award at ISRO's World Space Week celebrations.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats. 

Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for a 2029 space mission led by Titan Space Industries, a US-based private space research agency. The mission, set to launch in 2029, will be commanded by retired NASA astronaut Colonel William McArthur Jr. It will involve orbiting the Earth twice, with nearly three hours of continuous zero gravity, designed for scientific research and human spaceflight advancement. Jahnavi’s selection is an important step in India’s growing presence in international private space efforts. Who is she? Jahnavi, who studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, was the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP). She was also the youngest foreign Analog Astronaut at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. Her past work includes contributions to asteroid discovery through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), and public engagement in STEM outreach, including talks at ISRO events and NITs. Her astronaut training begins in 2026 and will span spacecraft systems, simulations, survival drills, and medical evaluations.

<p>The five-hour flight will allow crew members to experience two sunrises and two sunsets while in orbit. Jahnavi’s participation will make her one of the few Indians to be directly involved in building future off-Earth habitats.&nbsp;</p>

Who is Jahnavi Dangeti? The 23-year-old set to join Titan’s 2029 space flight

<p>Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;It is a privilege to get a chance to see the Earth from a vantage point. It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great,&quot; says Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, as the Axiom-4 crew arrives at the International Space Station (ISS)<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>Video: NASA <a href="https://t.co/cOMsufIMAX">pic.twitter.com/cOMsufIMAX</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938238401498779831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>His message followed a successful 28-hour journey aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS’s Harmony module. He was pinned with the official Astronaut No. 634 badge by mission commander Peggy Whitson before delivering his remarks. “Thanks to your love and blessings, I have safely reached the International Space Station,” he said. “It may look easy to stand here and speak, but it’s actually a little difficult. There’s a bit of pressure on the head, a bit of discomfort, but these are small things. In just a few days, we’ll get used to it.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>14-day science mission, ISRO collaboration underway</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla is joined by Whitson, Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Sławosz Uznański (Poland) on the Ax-4 mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, ESA, ISRO, and SpaceX. The crew will work alongside the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, conducting over 60 scientific experiments — including seven developed by ISRO. “This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Expressing national pride, he added, “I’m carrying the tricolour on my shoulder, and I believe you are all with me. So I believe that all of you are as excited as I am. The next 14 days are going to be very exciting. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.” ISRO has reportedly paid $59 million for Shukla’s seat and training, aiming to use insights from this mission to advance India’s human spaceflight programme, including Gaganyaan in 2027, a space station by 2035, and a lunar mission by 2040.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I'm looking forward to the next 14 days, advancing science and research, and working together,” Shukla said as he passed the mic to his fellow crewmate from Poland.</p>

“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.

Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”

<p>“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.</p>

'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space

<p>The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>WATCH:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Axiom-4 successfully docks with ISS<br><br>Next, the astronauts will open the hatch and greet Expedition 73 crew<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONuncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONuncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Axiom4Mission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Axiom4Mission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhanshuShukla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhanshuShukla</a> <a href="https://t.co/KtsTDFfLCf">pic.twitter.com/KtsTDFfLCf</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938190300037714189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What's next?</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The crew is set to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking various scientific experiments. Organised as a joint effort by NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, with support from ISRO. This mission represents a growing trend of commercial human spaceflight involving international collaboration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Post-Docking Process Begins, Hatch Opening 2 Hours Away</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the successful docking, the post-docking sequence is underway before the astronauts can enter the ISS. The first step, known as ‘soft capture,’ was completed as the Dragon spacecraft latched onto the docking port. This is followed by ‘hard mate’, a process involving mechanical latches and hooks engaging to form a secure, airtight connection between Dragon and the ISS.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Next comes the leak check and pressure equalisation phase, during which engineers carefully inspect for air leaks and gradually balance the pressure between the spacecraft and the station. Once a safe and stable environment is confirmed, astronauts remove their helmets or suits, known as suit doffing, and system readiness is verified, ensuring all life support and airflow systems are operational. Only after these procedures are completed, typically two hours post-docking, will the hatch be opened, allowing the Ax-4 crew to officially enter the ISS.</p>

The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. 

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS. Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists. WATCH:

<p>The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>

WATCH: Dragon docks at International Space Station with Shubhanshu Shukla onboard; post-docking steps begin

Shubhanshu Shukla: Top 6 experiments to be conducted during Axiom 4 mission

On June 25, the Axiom Mission 4, a private spaceflight operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA took off for  the International Space Station (ISS). It used SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to place Crew Dragon Grace into low Earth orbit. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is set to carry out  60 scientific studies and activities, representing 31 countries, including the United States and India.

Crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions. The ISRO experiment will investigate the impacts of spaceflight on six varieties of crop seeds

This experiment will compare two strains of cyanobacteria - aquatic bacteria - to investigate growth rates, cellular responses, and biochemical activity in microgravity. The results could help with development of spacecraft life support systems

This ISRO experiment will investigate the impacts of spaceflight on germination and growth of crop seeds. After the mission, seeds will be grown for multiple generations and the effects on genetics, microbial load, and nutritional profile investigated. 

It aims to identify pathways responsible for skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity and explore therapeutic targeting strategies. It will be crucial  for developing treatments to prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts. 

Microalgae are potentially useful organisms for future spaceflight that could be used as foods, fuel, or even used in life support systems. Three strains of microalgae will be grown and the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity will be investigated 

This experiment will investigate the physical and cognitive impact of utilising computer screens in microgravity. The research will study how pointing tasks, gaze fixation, and rapid eye movements are affected by being performed in space.

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is set to carry out  60 scientific studies and activities, representing 31 countries, including the United States and India.

<p>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is in space, above Earth, and will soon dock with the International Space Station. He has become the second Indian to go to space as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Sitting in the SpaceX Dragon capsule along with three other fellow astronauts, Shukla spoke about his experience so far in a live stream. He thanked everyone who helped him reach this far in his journey to space, acknowledging that it is not "a personal accomplishment, but an achievement for everyone." He also spoke about how he is doing, sharing that he has been sleeping a lot on the capsule.</p><p>Shubhanshu talked about the long wait they had to endure to take the trip to space, and that he was tired of waiting. “Hello everyone, namaskar from space. I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts - one veteran and three rookies. Wow, what a ride it was. Frankly, when I was sitting in the capsule, in Grace on the launchpad, my only thought was, let's just go. After 30 days of quarantine, I just wanted to go." Grace is the name of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that carried the Axiom-4 astronauts.</p><p>Shubhanshu revealed that once the ride started, he was thrown into a whole new world. "When the ride started, you are getting pushed back into the sea, it was an amazing ride. Then suddenly nothing, everything is silenced, you are just floating in the silence of a vacuum. Amazing feeling," Shukla said from the capsule.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ax-4 Mission | In-Flight Update <a href="https://t.co/Lqu0QiGGrA">https://t.co/Lqu0QiGGrA</a></p>&mdash; Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space/status/1938111215265591442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-mission-space-station-1750832655595"><strong>From IAF pilot to astronaut: Axiom-4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to space</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shubhanshu admitted that he wasn't thrilled at first, but it all quickly changed. "Honestly, I was not feeling great when we were shot into the vacuum. But I have been told that I am sleeping a lot, which is a great sign. I am enjoying it, the views, learning how to walk, how to control yourself, how to eat, new challenges, new experiences."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/shubhanshu-shuklas-touching-farewell-to-wife-before-axiom-4-mission-to-international-space-station-1750835614335"><strong>Shubhanshu Shukla’s touching farewell to wife before Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I am enjoying with my fellow astronauts. It is good to make mistakes, but it is better to see somebody else do that too. It has been fun, Shukla said, laughing. He then thanked everyone who helped accomplish the mission. "I want to thank everyone. It was not a personal accomplishment, but an achievement of everyone. I want to thank my family and friends; you supported me so much." Shubhanshu is only the second Indian to take a trip to space. Rakesh Sharma was the first one who flew to space aboard a Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/axiom-4-mission-with-india-s-shubhanshu-shukla-lifts-off-from-nasa-s-kennedy-space-center-1750860488619/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/axiom-4-mission-with-india-s-shubhanshu-shukla-lifts-off-from-nasa-s-kennedy-space-center-1750860488619/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shubhanshu is carrying a stuffed toy of a small swan with him to space. He shared the symbolism behind it, saying how it is not just an Indian thing. "Swan symbolises wisdom. It also has the ability to discern what should be focused on and what should not. We all have symbolism in Poland, Hungary, and India. It has more meaning than one would think," the 39-year-old said.</p>

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has shared an update from space before the Dragon capsule docks with the ISS. Shukla revealed in a livestream that he did not enjoy being thrown into the vacuum of silence at launch, but is thrilled by the experience as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is in space, above Earth, and will soon dock with the International Space Station. He has become the second Indian to go to space as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Sitting in the SpaceX Dragon capsule along with three other fellow astronauts, Shukla spoke about his experience so far in a live stream. He thanked everyone who helped him reach this far in his journey to space, acknowledging that it is not "a personal accomplishment, but an achievement for everyone." He also spoke about how he is doing, sharing that he has been sleeping a lot on the capsule. Shubhanshu talked about the long wait they had to endure to take the trip to space, and that he was tired of waiting. “Hello everyone, namaskar from space. I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts - one veteran and three rookies. Wow, what a ride it was. Frankly, when I was sitting in the capsule, in Grace on the launchpad, my only thought was, let's just go. After 30 days of quarantine, I just wanted to go." Grace is the name of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that carried the Axiom-4 astronauts. Shubhanshu revealed that once the ride started, he was thrown into a whole new world. "When the ride started, you are getting pushed back into the sea, it was an amazing ride. Then suddenly nothing, everything is silenced, you are just floating in the silence of a vacuum. Amazing feeling," Shukla said from the capsule.

<p>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has shared an update from space before the Dragon capsule docks with the ISS. Shukla revealed in a livestream that he did not enjoy being thrown into the silence of vacuum at launch, but is thrilled by the experience as part of the Axiom-4 mission.</p>

'I am sleeping a lot': Shubhanshu Shukla says he did not enjoy being shot into 'silence of vacuum'

<p>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has shared another message for the people of the country, alongside his Axiom-4 crew. In a video shared on X by <a href="https://x.com/Axiom_Space">Axiom Space</a>, the crew that includes Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu, informed that they were flying over Europe and gave a glimpse of Earth from space. "<i>Namaskar from Space</i>," Shukla greeted in Hindi from the Dragon spacecraft. He also added, "I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. What a ride it was! When I was sitting in the capsule, the only thought was 'let's just go.' It was an amazing ride, and then suddenly, nothing. You were floating in the silence of vacuum," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier on Thursday, after the historic takeoff of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla in a special message from Dragon spacecraft, said in Hindi, "<i>Namaskar mere deshwasiyon</i>. After 41 years, we are back in space. And what a magnificent journey it was. Right now, we are orbiting the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The tricolour is on my shoulder, showing that I am with all of you." He ended his special message with “<i>Jai Hind! Jai Bharat</i>!”</p>

<h2>Axiom Mission 4</h2><p>Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA.[1] It used SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to place Crew Dragon Grace into low Earth orbit. The flight was scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center on May 29, but it was scrubbed due to a liquid oxygen leak. Due to multiple other technical faults, the launch was further delayed, and it became a reality only on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla earlier said that he will be carrying his favourite food to the space. "There will be plenty of food to eat in space, but I will be carrying mango nectar, carrot halwa (gajar ka halwa), and moong dal halwa with me," he said. Shukla added that he hopes to share them with his international crewmates aboard the ISS. Shukla also revealed that he is carrying a souvenir for Rakesh Sharma, the man who ignited his childhood dream of flying to space. "He has been advising me on many things, including how to prepare for this mission," Shukla shared, though he kept the details of the memento under wraps. "It will be a surprise when I return." Furthermore, he is also taking a small white toy swan named Joy, which will serve as the zero-gravity indicator on board. The moment the capsule enters orbit, Joy will float freely inside the cabin, signalling to the astronauts that they've officially left Earth behind.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The crew of Axiom-4 have chosen a white baby swan plush toy named &quot;Joy&quot; as the Zero-G indicator for this mission! 🦢<br><br>Swan is the vehicle of the Hindu goddess Saraswati and represents wisdom &amp; purity. 🕉<br><br>Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla&#39;s 6 y/o son Kiash (aka Sid) also played a… <a href="https://t.co/5WFlQQBVoP">pic.twitter.com/5WFlQQBVoP</a></p>&mdash; ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/status/1931731934910255443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla expressed his thrill in a video message from the Dragon spacecraft, alongside Axiom-4 crew. Here's his special message for Indians. Don't miss his toy swan named Joy

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has shared another message for the people of the country, alongside his Axiom-4 crew. In a video shared on X by Axiom Space, the crew that includes Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu, informed that they were flying over Europe and gave a glimpse of Earth from space. "Namaskar from Space," Shukla greeted in Hindi from the Dragon spacecraft. He also added, "I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. What a ride it was! When I was sitting in the capsule, the only thought was 'let's just go.' It was an amazing ride, and then suddenly, nothing. You were floating in the silence of vacuum," he said. Earlier on Thursday, after the historic takeoff of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla in a special message from Dragon spacecraft, said in Hindi, "Namaskar mere deshwasiyon. After 41 years, we are back in space. And what a magnificent journey it was. Right now, we are orbiting the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The tricolour is on my shoulder, showing that I am with all of you." He ended his special message with “Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

<p>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla expressed his thrill in a video message from the Dragon spacecraft, alongside Axiom-4 crew. Here's his special message for Indians. Don't miss his toy swan named ‘Joy’</p>

'Namaskar...': India's Shubhanshu Shukla sends new message for Indians from Axiom-4 ahead of docking - Watch

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will spend two weeks on the ISS as part of Axiom Mission 4. He’ll pilot the Dragon spacecraft and conduct 60 experiments, including indian research on seeds, algae, muscle loss, and brain function, while interacting with students and leaders.

What will Shubhanshu Shukla be doing on Axiom Mission 4?

<p>Indian citizen and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Subhanshu Shukla, successfully boarded SpaceX’s Falcon 9 as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) with a four-member international crew including astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary. Nearly four decades after Rakesh Sharma, he became another Indian citizen to travel to space as a part of the fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).</p><p>Subhanshu Shukla represents India in a science-heavy mission which involves more than 60 experiments from 31 countries. The mission is a joint venture of the ISRO in collaboration with NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). The involvement of Shukla in space lays the scientific preliminaries for the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.</p><p><strong>However, there is a list of Indian citizens and Indian-origin people who flew into space on several missions:</strong></p><h3>Rakesh Sharma</h3><p>A former Indian Air Force pilot, Rakesh Sharma, flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft on April 3, 1984, as part of the Interkosmos program. During the mission, he spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station, which conducted experiments in biomedicine and remote sensing. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union and India’s Ashok Chakra.</p><h3>Kalpana Chawla &nbsp;</h3><p>She was born in Karnal, India, and became a US citizen and joined NASA as an astronaut. She boarded the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) in 1997 as a mission specialist, who conducted microgravity and material science experiments. But her second mission (STS-107) in 2003 ended horrendously when the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, killing all seven crew members. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honour. She was the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space.</p><h3>Sunita Williams &nbsp;</h3><p>Williams was born and brought up to an Indian-American father, who joined as US Navy officer and later turned to NASA astronaut. She has completed three spaceflights (2006, 2012, 2024) and holds records for the most spacewalks by a woman (7) and the longest spacewalking time by a woman (50 hours, 40 minutes). Williams ran the first marathon in space in 2007 and has served as a flight engineer and commander on the International Space Station (ISS), contributing to numerous experiments.</p><h3>Raja Chari &nbsp;</h3><p>A US Air Force brigadier general and NASA astronaut was born to an Indian father who commanded the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the ISS in 2021–22, spending over 170 days in space. Selected for the Artemis Team of NASA in 2020, he is training for future lunar missions. Raja Chari also performed a spacewalk in 2022, demonstrating quick thinking by fixing a crewmate’s helmet camera.</p><h3>Sirisha Bandla &nbsp;</h3><p>Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Sirisha Bandla is an Indian origin-American aeronautical engineer and Vice President at Virgin Galactic. Bandla flew to the edge of space on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 mission on July 11, 2021, becoming the third woman of Indian origin in space.</p><h3>Gopi Thotakura &nbsp;</h3><p>He was also born in Andhra Pradesh, Thotakura, an entrepreneur and pilot, flew on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin NS-25 mission in May 2024, a suborbital flight crossing the Kármán line. As part of a six-member crew, he became the first Indian to travel to space as a tourist, carrying a small Indian flag during the mission.</p><h3>Shubhanshu Shukla &nbsp;</h3><p>A Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Shubhanshu Shukla, launched on June 25, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 as part of a private spaceflight, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He becomes the second Indian citizen to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. Shukla, trained at NASA, ESA, and JAXA, will spend up to 14 days on the ISS conducting scientific research, including yoga in microgravity, and educational outreach.</p><p>Other Indian-origin individuals, like Anil Menon, have been selected as NASA astronaut candidates but have not yet flown to space. In addition, Ravish Malhotra also served as a backup for Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission but did not fly.</p><p>Meanwhile, Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla are the only Indian citizens on this list, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. The others are of Indian descent but held US citizenship before or during their missions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla are the only Indian citizens on this list, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. The others are of Indian descent but held US citizenship before or during their missions.

Indian citizen and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Subhanshu Shukla, successfully boarded SpaceX’s Falcon 9 as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) with a four-member international crew including astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary. Nearly four decades after Rakesh Sharma, he became another Indian citizen to travel to space as a part of the fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Subhanshu Shukla represents India in a science-heavy mission which involves more than 60 experiments from 31 countries. The mission is a joint venture of the ISRO in collaboration with NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). The involvement of Shukla in space lays the scientific preliminaries for the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. However, there is a list of Indian citizens and Indian-origin people who flew into space on several missions: Rakesh Sharma A former Indian Air Force pilot, Rakesh Sharma, flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft on April 3, 1984, as part of the Interkosmos program. During the mission, he spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station, which conducted experiments in biomedicine and remote sensing. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union and India’s Ashok Chakra. Kalpana Chawla She was born in Karnal, India, and became a US citizen and joined NASA as an astronaut. She boarded the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) in 1997 as a mission specialist, who conducted microgravity and material science experiments. But her second mission (STS-107) in 2003 ended horrendously when the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, killing all seven crew members. Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honour. She was the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. Sunita Williams Williams was born and brought up to an Indian-American father, who joined as US Navy officer and later turned to NASA astronaut. She has completed three spaceflights (2006, 2012, 2024) and holds records for the most spacewalks by a woman (7) and the longest spacewalking time by a woman (50 hours, 40 minutes). Williams ran the first marathon in space in 2007 and has served as a flight engineer and commander on the International Space Station (ISS), contributing to numerous experiments. Raja Chari A US Air Force brigadier general and NASA astronaut was born to an Indian father who commanded the SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the ISS in 2021–22, spending over 170 days in space. Selected for the Artemis Team of NASA in 2020, he is training for future lunar missions. Raja Chari also performed a spacewalk in 2022, demonstrating quick thinking by fixing a crewmate’s helmet camera. Sirisha Bandla Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Sirisha Bandla is an Indian origin-American aeronautical engineer and Vice President at Virgin Galactic. Bandla flew to the edge of space on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 mission on July 11, 2021, becoming the third woman of Indian origin in space. Gopi Thotakura He was also born in Andhra Pradesh, Thotakura, an entrepreneur and pilot, flew on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin NS-25 mission in May 2024, a suborbital flight crossing the Kármán line. As part of a six-member crew, he became the first Indian to travel to space as a tourist, carrying a small Indian flag during the mission. Shubhanshu Shukla A Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Shubhanshu Shukla, launched on June 25, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 as part of a private spaceflight, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He becomes the second Indian citizen to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. Shukla, trained at NASA, ESA, and JAXA, will spend up to 14 days on the ISS conducting scientific research, including yoga in microgravity, and educational outreach. Other Indian-origin individuals, like Anil Menon, have been selected as NASA astronaut candidates but have not yet flown to space. In addition, Ravish Malhotra also served as a backup for Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission but did not fly. Meanwhile, Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla are the only Indian citizens on this list, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. The others are of Indian descent but held US citizenship before or during their missions.

<p>Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla are the only Indian citizens on this list, representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. The others are of Indian descent but held US citizenship before or during their missions.</p>

From Rakesh Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla: List of Indian-origin people who made history in space

Axiom Mission 4 marks India’s return to human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot. Led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission includes astronauts from 31 countries, focusing on science and global collaboration in space.


31 countries unite for Axiom Mission 4 – What makes it special for India

Shubhanshu's wife, Kamna is a practising dentist and has been by his side through the demanding process of becoming an astronaut.

Shubhanshu Shukla's liftoff: Indian astronaut's family, wife, and more as the Axiom-4 mission takes flight

<p>Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has officially entered orbit as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) &nbsp;on Wednesday. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT). The launch marks a historic first for India, with Shukla becoming the country’s first astronaut to travel to the ISS. The spacecraft, travelling at over 27,000 kilometres per hour in low Earth orbit, is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26 after a 28-hour journey. Just before departure, Shukla shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Kamna Shukla, expressing deep gratitude for her constant support.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla is joined by three international crewmates—mission commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, and mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), both representing the European Space Agency. This is the first ISS mission for all three participating nations—India, Hungary, and Poland—since their initial crewed spaceflights nearly four decades ago. The Axiom-4 mission, organised by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, ISRO, and international partners, underscores growing cooperation in commercial space exploration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Farewell message before departure</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Before departing Earth, Shukla shared a personal message on social media, expressing gratitude to his team, friends, and family. His note included a special mention of his wife, Kamna Shukla. “Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible, but more importantly none of this would matter,” he wrote. The post was accompanied by a poignant photograph of the couple bidding farewell through a glass partition, a quiet moment before a momentous journey.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla and Kamna’s story traces back to their school days in Lucknow, where they met in primary school. Now parents to a six-year-old, the couple’s long-standing bond has stood alongside the pilot’s rise through the Indian Air Force and into space history.</p><h2><strong>Milestone for Indian spaceflight</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” The mission serves as a precursor to ISRO’s planned Gaganyaan mission in 2027, and India’s long-term goal of landing an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.&nbsp;</p>

In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has officially entered orbit as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 12:00 PM IST (2:30 AM EDT). The launch marks a historic first for India, with Shukla becoming the country’s first astronaut to travel to the ISS. The spacecraft, travelling at over 27,000 kilometres per hour in low Earth orbit, is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26 after a 28-hour journey. Just before departure, Shukla shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Kamna Shukla, expressing deep gratitude for her constant support. Shukla is joined by three international crewmates—mission commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, and mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), both representing the European Space Agency. This is the first ISS mission for all three participating nations—India, Hungary, and Poland—since their initial crewed spaceflights nearly four decades ago. The Axiom-4 mission, organised by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, ISRO, and international partners, underscores growing cooperation in commercial space exploration. Farewell message before departure Before departing Earth, Shukla shared a personal message on social media, expressing gratitude to his team, friends, and family. His note included a special mention of his wife, Kamna Shukla. “Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible, but more importantly none of this would matter,” he wrote. The post was accompanied by a poignant photograph of the couple bidding farewell through a glass partition, a quiet moment before a momentous journey.

<p>In orbit, Shukla addressed the nation with a brief message: “This is the beginning of India’s space programme. Every Indian should feel proud. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”</p>

Shubhanshu Shukla’s touching farewell to wife before Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station