In spring 2025, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will make history as the pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, marking India’s first human presence on the International Space Station (ISS) since 1984. This mission, set to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades; Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma was the first, participating in a Soviet mission nearly 40 years ago.
The Ax-4 mission stems from a collaborative initiative between India and the United States. During a state visit to the US over a year ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian astronaut would journey to the ISS. Following this announcement, ISRO entered into a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American provider of human spaceflight services.
Shukla, along with his backup, fellow Indian astronaut Group Captain Prashanth Nair, both test pilots from the Indian Air Force, will join an international crew. Commander Peggy Whitson shared insights about Shukla’s role and the mission in an email.
“As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me with essential spacecraft operations, including navigation and docking procedures,” Whitson explained. “Training will equip him to handle emergencies and conduct critical system checks. He will also support scientific research by managing microgravity experiments, requiring extensive preparation in both technical and operational aspects to ensure the mission’s success.”
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently revealed during an Instagram live event that Shukla will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission, which will also provide vital experience for India’s Gaganyaan program—ISRO’s inaugural crewed mission.
Whitson emphasized that Axiom Space has developed comprehensive training programs for astronauts, focusing on technical skills and emergency readiness. “We collaborate closely with NASA and other international space agencies to ensure seamless integration with the ISS,” she noted. Axiom also invests in advanced medical research to monitor astronaut health during missions, aiming to mitigate risks and enhance mission success.
The Ax-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and other partner facilities. This training encompasses safety protocols, health management, and ISS systems operations.
“We practice in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and simulating emergency scenarios to ensure we’re ready for any situation,” Whitson added. “We also receive specialized training for the research and technology demonstration payloads for the mission.”
The preparation for the Ax-4 mission also involves learning about launch site operations, ensuring that astronauts are well-equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of the ISS. The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, featuring automated docking capabilities and advanced life support systems for a secure journey.
Peggy Whitson, America’s most experienced astronaut with 675 days in space, brings invaluable expertise to the mission as a two-time ISS commander and former chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. Currently serving as the director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space, her leadership highlights the mission’s significance in advancing commercial space ventures.
Joining the Ax-4 mission are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, part of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, specializes in radiation testing and electronics systems for space applications, while Kapu focuses on space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research through Hungary’s Hunor Astronaut Programme.
“The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, marking the return of human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, and each nation’s first mission to the space station,” Whitson noted. This mission emphasizes Axiom Space’s role in redefining access to low-Earth orbit and advancing national space programs.
The Ax-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks that promote commercial activities in space. “This mission normalizes access, allowing countries and agencies with diverse capabilities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration,” Whitson stated. Axiom’s partnerships with organizations like ESA, ISRO, and Hunor foster collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development, contributing to a sustainable and innovative commercial space ecosystem.
