June 10, 2025 - Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will depart for the International Space Station (ISS) on June 11 at 5:30 pm marking a historic day for India as he will become the first Indian ever to travel to the ISS. Shubhanshu will become the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s landmark 1984 mission aboard Soviet Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft.

Shubhanshu will lift off for space from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday under the Axiom Mission-4. He is expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) approximately 28 hours after launch.

On June 8, Shubhanshu completed a full-dress rehearsal, which included the process of traveling from the assembly building to the rocket and seating inside it. The astronaut expressed his gratitude, saying: “I’m fortunate to be part of this mission.”

The mission is being conducted by private space company Axiom Space. Earlier, the mission was delayed from June 8 and June 10. 

Shubhanshu tweeted: “A little more waiting, but the spirit to touch the sky has only grown stronger.”

In a video message, Shubhanshu said: "I grew up reading about Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He inspired me."

In a supportive message, Rakesh Sharma wished him well, saying: “Best wishes to Shubhanshu. Stay happy, return safe. A person never returns the same after going to space. The experience changes your perspective.”

Historic Mission

The Axiom-4 mission is a unique and historic space expedition. It holds immense scientific significance, being the first mission to conduct so many experiments simultaneously. Over 14 days, 60 experiments from 31 countries will be conducted aboard the ISS. The goal is to make future space missions affordable, safer and more advanced.

The research will focus on understanding how the human body reacts in zero gravity and different space conditions, helping scientists gain insights into the physiological effects of space travel.

Shubhanshu, who hails from Lucknow, will be carrying a special touch of home with him. His family has been preparing his customised space menu. His sister Suchi Shukla, a teacher, shared that he is taking moong-carrot halwa and mango pulp (aamras) made by their mother.

With Media Inputs