Wed Jun 25 06:36:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. The launch, which was delayed, took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Shukla is joined by astronauts from NASA, Poland, and Hungary. This mission marks India’s return to the ISS after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight.
**News Article:**
**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Launches to International Space Station**
**Kennedy Space Center, Florida – June 25, 2025** – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India soared into space today as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, which had been subject to delays, occurred at 12:01 p.m. IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX, the mission’s transport provider, reported a 90% favorable weather outlook for the launch.
Shukla joins former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary on this historic mission. Ax-4 marks a return to space for Poland and Hungary, adding a diverse international element to the endeavor.
This flight is particularly significant for India, as it marks the nation’s first astronaut sent to the ISS. The last Indian astronaut to venture into space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, who spent eight days in orbit aboard the Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station.
The crew is traveling aboard a new Dragon spacecraft, making its maiden voyage atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
“Dragon’s hatch is closed, all communication and suit checks are complete, the seats are rotated, and the Ax-4 crew is ready for launch,” SpaceX announced on X just prior to liftoff.
The mission is a key step for Axiom Space and for international collaboration in space exploration, with India playing a prominent role.
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