“Mere kandhe par Tiranga hai…” With these heartfelt words, Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla stepped into space history, becoming the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He launched today as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private mission led by US-based Axiom Space and SpaceX.
This is not just a mission, it is a moment of pride. A moment that connects us to our dreams among the stars.
What is Axiom Mission 4?
Axiom-4 is the fourth private mission to the ISS, led by Axiom Space, a company working to build the world’s first commercial space station. The crew includes astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US.
They were launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, riding on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The mission is expected to stay on the ISS for about two weeks.
But what makes this so special for India?
India’s Big Comeback in Human Spaceflight
It has been four long decades since an Indian last traveled to space. That was 1984, when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a pilot of the Indian Air Force, flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. His iconic reply from space, “Saare Jahaan Se Achha,” became etched in every Indian’s memory.
But since that historic flight, India did not send another human to space, not because of lack of ambition, but because the priority was building our foundation – rockets, satellites, Mars and Moon missions, and the space economy.
Now, in 2025, the long wait is finally over. And the comeback is strategic, emotional, and futuristic.
Meet Shubhanshu Shukla – India’s New Space Hero
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is no ordinary pilot. A highly trained test pilot in the Indian Air Force, he was selected by ISRO as one of the astronauts for Gaganyaan—India’s first human spaceflight mission being developed entirely by Indian scientists.
But before we launch our own Gaganyaan spacecraft, we needed a trial by fire, a real mission, real spacecraft, real space. That’s why ISRO partnered with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, to send Shukla into space as part of Axiom Mission 4.
This is not just a ceremonial ride. It is hands-on, hardcore astronaut work, operating systems aboard the Dragon spacecraft, assisting in docking with the ISS, running science experiments, and living in microgravity for two weeks.
Why This Comeback is Bigger Than It Looks
• Symbolically, it signals India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years.
• Strategically, it places India within the circle of elite spacefaring nations that can send astronauts to the International Space Station.
• Scientifically, it allows India to learn the fine details of life support systems, human physiology in space, mission control, docking protocols, and international crew collaboration—critical inputs for Gaganyaan.
• Globally, it tells the world: India is ready to collaborate, contribute, and lead in the next generation of space exploration.
From Soyuz to SpaceX: A Giant Leap in Capability
Back in 1984, when Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, the journey was made possible entirely through the Soviet Union’s space program. The spacecraft—Soyuz T-11—was designed, controlled, and operated by Soviet scientists. India contributed the astronaut, but the technology, training, and mission control were foreign.
At that time, India was still taking its first steps in space technology. We were learning, absorbing, and observing.
Fast forward to 2025, and look at the difference.
This time, India is not just sending a passenger. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is flying as a mission pilot, actively operating controls aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission is led by Axiom Space, but India has a seat at the table, a flag on the sleeve, and a role in the mission’s success.
A Timeline of Key Events
Year/Date
What Happened
2016
Axiom Space founded with the goal to build a private space station.
2022–2024
Axiom completes three private missions to the ISS.
Feb 2024
ISRO nominates Shubhanshu Shukla for Axiom-4 mission.
Aug 2024
India, Axiom, and NASA finalize his role as a pilot on the mission.
May–June 2025
Launch delayed due to weather and technical checks.
25 June 2025
Launch Day! Axiom-4 successfully lifts off with Shukla on board.
26 June 2025
Expected docking with the ISS after ~28 hours in orbit.
The Space World Has Changed—And So Has India
The global space industry has evolved dramatically in the last two decades. Earlier, space was the domain of governments and superpowers. Today, it’s also led by private innovators like SpaceX, Axiom, Blue Origin, and others.
India has not only kept up, it has carved its own path:
• We built and launched missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan) on frugal budgets.
• We have become a trusted launch partner for countries across the globe.
• And now, with Gaganyaan and partnerships like Axiom-4, we are stepping into the era of human spaceflight on our own terms.
From Dependency to Global Collaboration
What was once a one-time opportunity offered to India by a foreign power has now become a mutual collaboration. ISRO and the Indian space community are no longer learning as students—they are contributing as peers.
This mission is a symbol of that transformation.
It shows that India has moved from being a spacefaring nation in waiting to being a future-ready partner in global missions—with plans to build our own space stations, explore the Moon, and eventually send Indian astronauts on our own spacecraft.
Why This Mission Matters for India ?
1. Preparation for Gaganyaan
This mission is like on-the-job training. Shukla will handle real space operations, learn how astronauts live and work in zero gravity, and bring back valuable experience for India’s first human mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2027.
2. Science for India
On board are Indian experiments too—studying topics like:
• How microgravity affects the brain and muscles
• The behaviour of micro algae (a potential space food)
• Plant growth and resilience in space
3. India Goes Global
India is no longer watching from the sidelines. We’re partnering with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom, stepping into the future of global space missions and commercial space stations.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
• Indian Air Force Group Captain
• Experienced test pilot
• Trained under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program
• Known for discipline, calmness, and dedication
His journey represents not just an individual’s dream, but the aspiration of a billion Indians who believe in the power of science.
What’s Next?
• The Axiom-4 crew will spend about 14 days on the ISS, conducting over 60 science experiments.
• The mission will return safely to Earth, landing in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Axiom Space plans to launch its own space station modules by 2027, and India could be a future collaborator.
• ISRO’s Gaganyaan will use this mission to strengthen astronaut training and systems back home.
A Proud Step Forward
• 1984: One astronaut, one foreign spacecraft, one Soviet mission.
• 2025: One Indian pilot, one international team, a private spacecraft, a globally coordinated mission.
• Future: Multiple Indian astronauts, an indigenous space capsule, and an Indian flag in deep space.
We are no longer just space followers. We are now space partners—and soon, we will stand proudly as space leaders.
A New Era for Indian Space
This mission is more than just a ride to space. It’s a signal.
That India is ready to lead in human space exploration.
That our scientists and pilots are second to none.
That the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Final Words
When Rakesh Sharma was asked in 1984 how India looked from space, he said, “Saare jahan se achha.”
NehaScope 
“Mere kandhe par Tiranga hai…” With these heartfelt words, Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla stepped into space history, becoming the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He launched today as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private mission led by US-based Axiom Space and SpaceX.
This is not just a mission, it is a moment of pride. A moment that connects us to our dreams among the stars.
What is Axiom Mission 4?
Axiom-4 is the fourth private mission to the ISS, led by Axiom Space, a company working to build the world’s first commercial space station. The crew includes astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US.
They were launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, riding on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The mission is expected to stay on the ISS for about two weeks.
But what makes this so special for India?
India’s Big Comeback in Human Spaceflight
It has been four long decades since an Indian last traveled to space. That was 1984, when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a pilot of the Indian Air Force, flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. His iconic reply from space, “Saare Jahaan Se Achha,” became etched in every Indian’s memory.
But since that historic flight, India did not send another human to space, not because of lack of ambition, but because the priority was building our foundation – rockets, satellites, Mars and Moon missions, and the space economy.
Now, in 2025, the long wait is finally over. And the comeback is strategic, emotional, and futuristic.
Meet Shubhanshu Shukla – India’s New Space Hero
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is no ordinary pilot. A highly trained test pilot in the Indian Air Force, he was selected by ISRO as one of the astronauts for Gaganyaan—India’s first human spaceflight mission being developed entirely by Indian scientists.
But before we launch our own Gaganyaan spacecraft, we needed a trial by fire, a real mission, real spacecraft, real space. That’s why ISRO partnered with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, to send Shukla into space as part of Axiom Mission 4.
This is not just a ceremonial ride. It is hands-on, hardcore astronaut work, operating systems aboard the Dragon spacecraft, assisting in docking with the ISS, running science experiments, and living in microgravity for two weeks.
Why This Comeback is Bigger Than It Looks
• Symbolically, it signals India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years.
• Strategically, it places India within the circle of elite spacefaring nations that can send astronauts to the International Space Station.
• Scientifically, it allows India to learn the fine details of life support systems, human physiology in space, mission control, docking protocols, and international crew collaboration—critical inputs for Gaganyaan.
• Globally, it tells the world: India is ready to collaborate, contribute, and lead in the next generation of space exploration.
From Soyuz to SpaceX: A Giant Leap in Capability
Back in 1984, when Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, the journey was made possible entirely through the Soviet Union’s space program. The spacecraft—Soyuz T-11—was designed, controlled, and operated by Soviet scientists. India contributed the astronaut, but the technology, training, and mission control were foreign.
At that time, India was still taking its first steps in space technology. We were learning, absorbing, and observing.
Fast forward to 2025, and look at the difference.
This time, India is not just sending a passenger. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is flying as a mission pilot, actively operating controls aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission is led by Axiom Space, but India has a seat at the table, a flag on the sleeve, and a role in the mission’s success.
A Timeline of Key Events
The Space World Has Changed—And So Has India
The global space industry has evolved dramatically in the last two decades. Earlier, space was the domain of governments and superpowers. Today, it’s also led by private innovators like SpaceX, Axiom, Blue Origin, and others.
India has not only kept up, it has carved its own path:
• We built and launched missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan) on frugal budgets.
• We have become a trusted launch partner for countries across the globe.
• And now, with Gaganyaan and partnerships like Axiom-4, we are stepping into the era of human spaceflight on our own terms.
From Dependency to Global Collaboration
What was once a one-time opportunity offered to India by a foreign power has now become a mutual collaboration. ISRO and the Indian space community are no longer learning as students—they are contributing as peers.
This mission is a symbol of that transformation.
It shows that India has moved from being a spacefaring nation in waiting to being a future-ready partner in global missions—with plans to build our own space stations, explore the Moon, and eventually send Indian astronauts on our own spacecraft.
Why This Mission Matters for India ?
1. Preparation for Gaganyaan
This mission is like on-the-job training. Shukla will handle real space operations, learn how astronauts live and work in zero gravity, and bring back valuable experience for India’s first human mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2027.
2. Science for India
On board are Indian experiments too—studying topics like:
• How microgravity affects the brain and muscles
• The behaviour of micro algae (a potential space food)
• Plant growth and resilience in space
3. India Goes Global
India is no longer watching from the sidelines. We’re partnering with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom, stepping into the future of global space missions and commercial space stations.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
• Indian Air Force Group Captain
• Experienced test pilot
• Trained under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program
• Known for discipline, calmness, and dedication
His journey represents not just an individual’s dream, but the aspiration of a billion Indians who believe in the power of science.
A Proud Step Forward
• 1984: One astronaut, one foreign spacecraft, one Soviet mission.
• 2025: One Indian pilot, one international team, a private spacecraft, a globally coordinated mission.
• Future: Multiple Indian astronauts, an indigenous space capsule, and an Indian flag in deep space.
We are no longer just space followers. We are now space partners—and soon, we will stand proudly as space leaders.
A New Era for Indian Space
This mission is more than just a ride to space. It’s a signal.
That India is ready to lead in human space exploration.
That our scientists and pilots are second to none.
That the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Final Words
When Rakesh Sharma was asked in 1984 how India looked from space, he said, “Saare jahan se achha.”
Now, in 2025, we send a new message to the stars:
“We’re back. And we’re ready.”
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