Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to embark on a historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 22, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The launch, which will take place from the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:12 PM IST, was confirmed by NASA on Friday after several delays caused by technical and safety concerns.

Launch Rescheduled Following ISS and Rocket Anomalies

Originally slated for May 29, 2025, the Ax-4 mission faced repeated postponements. The initial delay was caused by a leak in the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, linked to a liquid oxygen system issue, prompting the launch to be moved first to June 10, then to June 11. However, a pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module of the ISS—operated by Russia’s Roscosmos—led to further delays, shifting the launch date first to June 19 and finally to June 22.

NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space have since resolved the safety concerns. Final preparations are now underway, with the crew currently under strict medical quarantine in Florida.

International Crew Led by Veteran Astronaut

The mission will be led by Commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut, and includes:

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot

• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist

• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist

This multinational mission represents growing international cooperation in commercial and scientific space exploration.

Shukla to Conduct ISRO Experiments in Microgravity

During the 14-day stay aboard the ISS, Shukla will carry out seven scientific experiments designed by ISRO, focusing on:

• Effects of microgravity on the human body

• Cognitive function and muscle behavior in space

• Crop resistance and plant growth in space environments

The mission is India’s first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades and aligns closely with the ISRO Gaganyaan programme, which aims to build indigenous capabilities in human spaceflight.

Mission Backed by Rs 550 Crore Investment

The Indian government has invested ₹550 crore in this landmark mission, which ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasized is a priority for national space ambitions. “Human crew safety is number one, and all queries have been addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russian cosmonauts have sealed leaks in the Zvezda module, ensuring docking stability for the incoming Ax-4 mission. NASA and Roscosmos continue to monitor the module closely.

A Step Towards India’s Space Future

This mission is seen as a major milestone in India’s long-term goals in human spaceflight, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s proposed space station. It also strengthens India’s role in international planetary studies and scientific cooperation in orbit.

As the countdown begins, the eyes of the nation are on Group Captain Shukla and the Ax-4 team, heralding a new era in India’s space exploration journey.