Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s Astronaut on SpaceX Falcon 9 to ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on a historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Block 5 on 25 June 2025. This momentous event marks the first time an Indian will reside and work onboard the ISS.

A Glimpse into Shubhanshu Shukla’s Background

Shubhanshu Shukla, born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, graduated from the National Defence Academy in 2005. He later joined the Indian Air Force’s Fighter Stream in June 2006, eventually attaining the rank of Group Captain by March 2024. With over 2,000 hours of combat flight experience in aircraft like Su-30 MKI, MiG-21/29, Jaguar, and Hawk, Shukla joined ISRO’s Gaganyaan astronaut cadre in 2019 and underwent training in Russia and Bengaluru before being selected for the Ax-4 mission crew in early 2024.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 & Crew Dragon: The Trusted Duo

The Falcon 9 Block 5, endorsed by NASA in November 2020, is a reusable medium-lift rocket known for its flawless crewed mission success rate and redundant systems. The mission utilizes a new Crew Dragon capsule, piloted autonomously, to transport a diverse international crew of four to the ISS.

Axiom-4 Mission Crew and Objectives

• Shubhanshu Shukla, alongside former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary, leads the Axiom-4 mission.
• During the 14-day mission, the crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by India, covering areas such as microgravity, biology, and materials science.

India’s Space Milestone with Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom-4 mission signifies India’s first government-backed presence on the ISS and marks the country’s reentry into human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. It aligns with the Gaganyaan program, elevating India’s status among global spacefaring nations.

Technical Hurdles and the Final Launch

The launch faced several delays due to weather conditions, technical glitches, and safety inspections, including a liquid oxygen leak in early June. Despite the challenges, the team overcame all obstacles, leading to the successful launch on 25 June.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to live and work aboard the ISS.
• The Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule are integral to SpaceX’s crewed missions to the ISS.
• The Axiom-4 mission involves a diverse crew conducting various scientific experiments, including Indian-designed projects.
• India’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission marks a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration endeavors.