Fri Apr 18 14:10:49 UTC 2025: ## India’s Astronaut to Embark on International Space Station Mission
**New Delhi, April 18, 2025** – India is poised to make a significant leap in its space exploration endeavors with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Indian astronaut will be part of the Axiom-4 mission next month, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the news following a review of the Department of Space and ISRO’s work. He highlighted the mission’s significance, stating that it represents India’s bold entry into a new era of space exploration and underscores growing international collaborations.
Group Captain Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot, was selected under ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program and is a leading contender for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. His Axiom-4 mission will provide invaluable experience in various aspects of spaceflight, including launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency procedures – all crucial for Gaganyaan’s success.
The mission differs from India’s first human spaceflight in its focus on operational readiness and global integration rather than symbolic achievement. It showcases India’s commitment to public-private international partnerships and its ambition to become a key player in human space exploration.
ISRO also revealed plans for several other upcoming missions, including the launch of the NISAR satellite (jointly developed with NASA) in June and the deployment of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellites in July. Additionally, the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the EOS-09 satellite and the Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) mission, simulating a Gaganyaan abort scenario, are scheduled. These projects reflect India’s broader commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology and aligning with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
First Piper 