In a proud moment for the nation, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the second Indian to travel into space, nearly four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. Slated for May 2025, he will serve as the pilot of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — a NASA-approved private mission led by Axiom Space, launching aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Florida.

Accompanied by space veterans including Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, the crew will spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station (ISS) conducting scientific experiments and global outreach.

This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey, complementing the ambitious Gaganyaan program and reflecting India’s growing role in the global space community. Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the mission as a “defining moment” for India’s space future.

🇮🇳 India is ready to reach new heights — once again.