In a monumental leap for space exploration and a proud moment for India, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) successfully launched today, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from NASA‘s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifted off at 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 p.m. IST), embarking on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS).
The mission holds immense significance for several nations, marking the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary. At the heart of this historic endeavor is Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is serving as the mission’s pilot. His journey to the ISS makes him only the second Indian to venture into space, following the legendary Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.
The Ax-4 crew, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and including mission specialists Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, is set for a two-week stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. During their time on the ISS, the team will conduct an array of scientific experiments and outreach activities, including over 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries. Notably, the mission will also feature joint NASA-ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) experiments, furthering international collaboration in space research.
The launch, which had faced a series of delays due to technical issues and unfavorable weather conditions, finally received the “all clear” signal, with weather conditions reported as 90% favorable. A last-minute technical resolution just moments before the scheduled lift-off ensured a smooth launch.
Upon successful separation from the Falcon 9’s second stage, the Crew Dragon spacecraft is expected to reach the ISS after approximately 28 hours of flight. Docking with the orbital outpost’s Harmony module is anticipated around 7:00 a.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. IST) on Thursday, June 26, where the Ax-4 crew will be warmly welcomed by the current residents of the ISS.
For Shubhanshu Shukla, this mission is more than a personal achievement; it signifies the dawn of India’s human space program. His powerful message from the Dragon spacecraft, “I want each one of you to be part of this journey, let us embark on India’s human space programme together,” resonated deeply across the nation, inspiring millions. His family, filled with a mix of joy, pride, and anticipation, watched the live launch, a testament to the dreams and aspirations carried aloft with Shubhanshu Shukla.
The Axiom Mission 4 is a powerful reminder of humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration, opening new frontiers for scientific discovery and international partnership in the vast expanse of space.