After Sunita Williams’ return from space, India is set to witness another historic moment with Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, preparing for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
Scheduled for spring 2025, this mission will make Shukla the first Indian astronaut to fly on a private space mission. He will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Shukla, who is also part of India’s Gaganyaan program, will spend around 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research and outreach activities alongside an international crew. His participation marks a significant step for India’s growing role in human spaceflight and strengthens collaboration between NASA, ISRO, and private space companies.
As India’s next astronaut after Sunita Williams, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission symbolizes a new chapter in the country’s space ambitions, paving the way for future Indian-led missions beyond Earth.
