In this screenshot via @SpaceX on X on June 25, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla (2nd left) and three others aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft bound for the International Space Station. (@SpaceX via PTI Photo)
LIVE | 'What a ride': Shubhanshu Shukla after becoming 2nd Indian to travel to space
Shukla's space sojourn comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma spent eight days in orbit as part of the then Soviet Union's Salyut-7 space station in 1984
“Kya kamaal ki ride thi (what an amazing ride),” India's astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla remarked as SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft entered the orbit around the earth within 10 minutes of launch from NASA’s spaceport in Florida.
Shukla, who became the second Indian to travel to space, spoke in chaste Hindi to announce India’s return to space after a gap of 41 years, and urged everyone to be a part of his journey.
'Tiranga on my shoulders'
"The Tiranga (Tricolour) on my shoulders tells me that I am not alone and I am with all of you," the 39-year-old fighter pilot-turned-astronaut said in his first remarks from the earth's orbit.
"Namaskar, my dear countrymen. What a ride! We have returned to space after a gap of 41 years and what an amazing ride it was ('kya kamaal ki ride thi')," he said.
"We are orbiting the earth at a speed of 7.5 km per second... This is not just the beginning of my journey to the International Space Station, but the beginning of India’s human space programme and it is my desire that all the countrymen become a part of this journey," Shukla said.
"Your chest, too, should swell with pride... Together, let's embark on this journey of India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat," Shukla said.
Shukla scripted history by embarking on a space odyssey along with three others to the International Space Station as part of a commercial mission by Axiom Space on Wednesday, 41 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma's spaceflight onboard a Russian spacecraft.
The Dragon spacecraft – named Grace by the astronauts – is expected to dock at the International Space Station at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday.
The 14-day mission on board the ISS will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.
Follow this space for more live updates
Live Updates
- 25 Jun 2025 11:46 AM IST
Axiom-4 crew is ready for launch
The Dragon’s hatch is closed, all communication and suit checks are complete, the seats are rotated, and the Ax-4 crew is all set to take off.
- 25 Jun 2025 11:34 AM IST
Troubleshooting of a minor issue on Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 spacecraft: Report
According to a NDTV report, a small issue has cropped up in the spacecraft and troubleshooting is on to resolve the issue.
- 25 Jun 2025 11:31 AM IST
Why is Axiom-4 a landmark mission for India?
First Indian astronaut on a private mission: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, will serve as a pilot, marking India’s first participation in a private crewed space mission. This is a significant step beyond government-led missions like Gaganyaan.
International collaboration: The mission, facilitated by Axiom Space and SpaceX, showcases India’s growing role in global space exploration through partnerships with private space entities and international organisations like ESA.
Advancing India’s space ambitions: Shukla’s involvement highlights India’s expanding human spaceflight capabilities, building on ISRO’s efforts and positioning India as a key player in commercial space exploration.
Inspiration for future generations: The mission elevates India’s visibility in space, inspiring young scientists and engineers while demonstrating the country’s ability to contribute to cutting-edge space research on the ISS.
- 25 Jun 2025 11:30 AM IST
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and astronaut, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Background and education: Shukla graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he joined the IAF, where he was commissioned into the fighter stream in June 2006. He later earned a Master of Technology in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore.
Military career: A decorated test pilot and fighter combat leader, Shukla has over 2,000 hours of flight experience on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. He was promoted to Wing Commander in 2019 and Group Captain in March 2024.
Astronaut training: Selected by ISRO in 2019 for the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme, Shukla underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia (2020-2021), the Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore, and SpaceX facilities in California. He is one of four astronauts shortlisted for India’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed spaceflight, planned for 2026.
Axiom-4 mission: Shukla will serve as the mission pilot for Ax-4, a private spaceflight to the ISS led by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX. He will be the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, and the first to visit the ISS. During the 14-day mission, he will conduct experiments, including studies on microgravity, cognitive effects, and crop resilience, and carry Indian cultural items like postcards and delicacies.
Personal life: Shukla, nicknamed “Shuks,” is married to Dr. Kamna Mishra, a dentist, and has a son. He is the youngest of three siblings, with his sisters Nidhi (MBA) and Suchi Mishra (school teacher). His parents are Shambhu Dayal Shukla (retired government officer) and Asha Shukla (homemaker). He enjoys physical exercise, reading science books, and recently developed an interest in horoscopes despite being agnostic.
Why is Shukla’s space journey significant?: Shukla’s participation in Ax-4 marks a historic milestone for India, being the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over 40 years and a key step toward the Gaganyaan mission. His journey is seen as a symbol of India’s growing space ambitions and international collaboration, inspiring future generations.
