Indian pilot for space journey on Axiom-4 ready to attend International Space Station (ISS) on June 10
In a landmark moment for India’s growing space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force — one of the four astronauts selected for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission — is set to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 10 as part of NASA’s Axiom-4 mission. He will become one of the few Indians to venture into space and will represent India in a multinational crew undertaking critical scientific research aboard the ISS.
Indian pilot selected for space journey on Axiom-4The Axiom-4 mission, a private spaceflight facilitated by the U.S. space agency NASA in collaboration with Axiom Space, aims to deepen commercial and scientific cooperation in space exploration. Group Captain Shukla’s participation marks a historic step in Indo-U.S. collaboration in human spaceflight and further cements India’s growing presence in the global space ecosystem.
Shukla’s inclusion in the Axiom-4 crew also marks a significant prelude to ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission — India’s first manned spaceflight programme — which is slated for launch in 2025-26. His exposure to real-time space operations aboard the ISS is expected to significantly bolster the readiness of India’s astronaut corps for future indigenous missions.
Rigorous Training and Stellar Credentials
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a highly trained test pilot of the Indian Air Force, selected through a stringent process by ISRO to be among the first humans to fly under India’s Gaganyaan mission. His journey to space has included intensive and grueling training at the prestigious Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia — a globally respected institute where astronauts are trained in microgravity simulation, space survival techniques, and spacecraft systems.
Upon completion of his training in Russia, Shukla returned to India where he underwent additional mission-specific instruction at ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. His preparation not only included physical and psychological conditioning but also an in-depth understanding of experimental protocols, with particular emphasis on scientific payloads he will operate in space.
The Indian Air Force test pilot Group Captain #ShubhanshuShukla, selected for the #Gaganyaan mission of @ISRO will be among the other multinational astronauts to be launched to the International Space Centre under the Axiom 4 mission on June 10 by the US space agency @NASA.… pic.twitter.com/DvGln3rSb4
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 6, 2025
Focus on Food and Microalgae Research
Group Captain Shukla’s primary mission aboard the ISS will focus on innovative food and nutrition experiments — an area that has long fascinated space scientists as humanity pushes for long-term human presence beyond Earth. His research will centre around a specially developed kit designed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
This kit has been engineered to examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, which are seen as promising candidates for sustainable food sources in long-duration space missions. Microalgae are known for their high protein content, photosynthetic efficiency, and capacity to produce oxygen, making them ideal for closed-loop life support systems.
By studying how these organisms behave and evolve in space conditions, the research could pave the way for developing nutrient-rich, compact food systems for future astronauts — including those on missions to the Moon and Mars.
Countdown to History!
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is joining American Commander @AstroPeggy and our other international partners for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the @Space_Station!
Since August 2024, Indian Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth… pic.twitter.com/hY3siQjicO— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) June 6, 2025
India’s Expanding Space Horizon
Shukla’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission signals India’s serious intent to not only be a launch-capable nation but also an active contributor to international space research. While ISRO has already established itself through successful interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, India’s foray into human spaceflight with Gaganyaan is viewed as a natural next step in its evolving space journey.
Four Indian Air Force pilots, including Group Captain Shukla, were selected for Gaganyaan in 2020, with their identities officially revealed in 2024. While Gaganyaan’s timeline has seen adjustments owing to technical readiness and safety concerns, participation in international missions like Axiom-4 is seen as vital groundwork that contributes to the learning curve for India’s upcoming manned missions.
Global Cooperation and Strategic Significance
Axiom-4’s launch will be carried out from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will be the fourth in a series of privately organized missions to the ISS. The multinational nature of the crew is symbolic of the increasing global collaboration in space exploration, with India emerging as a key stakeholder.
ISRO and NASA have already been working together on several fronts, including Earth observation satellites, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), and deep space communication. Group Captain Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS deepens this bilateral cooperation and positions India as a credible and capable spacefaring nation.
A Proud Moment for India
As the countdown begins for the Axiom-4 mission, pride and excitement ripple across India’s scientific and defense communities. Group Captain Shukla’s journey is not only a testament to his personal dedication and skill but also a symbol of India’s rising stature in space technology and international collaboration.
The launch on June 10 will be closely followed by scientists, defense officials, and citizens alike — all rooting for one of India’s finest to script history among the stars.
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