Over a year since Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as one of the astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan project, the Indian Air Force officer is now on the cusp of creating history. On Wednesday, Shukla—fondly known as “Shux”—will embark on his first journey to space aboard a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Shukla will fly as the mission pilot on the Ax-4 expedition, a 14-day science mission under the banner of Axiom Space, a US-based company focused on commercial space travel and future plans to establish a private space station to succeed the ISS.

He will lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 pm IST aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, propelled into orbit by the Falcon-9 rocket.

From Launchpad to ISS

The mission has seen several postponements due to technical issues and weather-related delays. Led by renowned American astronaut Peggy Whitson, a veteran of multiple spaceflights, the crew will begin their voyage once Falcon-9 successfully places the Dragon capsule into orbit. The spacecraft will then cruise for over 28 hours in microgravity before docking with the ISS, currently scheduled for June 26 at 4:30 pm IST.

Whitson will serve as mission commander, overseeing the scientific activities, navigation, and safe operations of the flight.

A Mission Rich in Science

Shukla’s stay aboard the ISS will focus on conducting seven scientific experiments developed by Indian researchers. These studies, coordinated by institutions across the country, will offer key insights into living and working in space—knowledge critical for India's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.

According to ISRO's Tushar Phadnis, who heads Microgravity Platforms and Research, the experiments will serve as an important stepping stone in India’s long-term vision of human space exploration.

Among the experiments are seed germination studies in space—relevant for developing food systems tailored to Indian conditions—as well as investigations into tardigrades’ survival in microgravity, muscle repair processes, and astronaut cognition using digital displays.

Shukla will also participate in live sessions with Indian school and college students, and is expected to have a video call with PM Modi from space.

Even Stars Are Attainable

Before the launch, Shukla shared a heartfelt message with the nation: “This is a significant milestone. I urge everyone in India to bless this mission with their prayers. Even the stars are within our reach.”

A decorated combat pilot and test pilot in the Indian Air Force, Shukla now prepares for his most challenging assignment yet—as an astronaut representing India's growing footprint in space exploration.