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**India Reaches for the Stars: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Launches to ISS on Axiom Mission-4**
**Cape Canaveral, FL -** India is celebrating a momentous occasion as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an experienced test pilot from the Indian Air Force, has launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Shukla and his international crew lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier today, June 25, 2025, with near-perfect weather conditions.
Shukla becomes only the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984. This mission, a collaborative effort between Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, marks a significant step forward for India’s space program.
“This is a proud moment for India,” said sources within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). “Group Captain Shukla’s mission will not only contribute valuable scientific data but also inspire a new generation of Indians to pursue careers in STEM fields.”
The Ax-4 mission is a private space mission that aims to further commercial activities in low Earth orbit. Shukla will serve as the mission’s pilot and spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting a series of scientific experiments, including research on growing moong beans and fenugreek in space, studying the effects of space on the human body, and exploring material science and fluid behavior. He also plans to perform yoga, showcase Indian sweets, and interact with Indian students from the ISS, fostering interest in science and technology.
This mission holds particular importance as it lays the groundwork for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2026. The experience gained from Ax-4 will be invaluable in preparing for Gaganyaan, solidifying India’s position on the global space stage.
The launch from Launch Pad 39A, the same site that launched Neil Armstrong on his historic journey to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, adds a layer of historical significance to Shukla’s mission, symbolizing a new era of space exploration for India.
While the mission faced previous delays due to weather and technical issues, today’s successful launch under favorable conditions represents a triumph of engineering and international collaboration.
First Piper 