Ax-4 Mission Lifts Off: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his three international crewmates lifted off to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial mission operated by SpaceX, launched as planned from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 AM EDT (12:01 PM IST). A brand-new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carried the crew atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Shukla is now India’s second astronaut in space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey four decades ago in 1984. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force fighter pilot was specially chosen by ISRO for this significant flight. The crew is expected to dock with the ISS on Thursday, June 26, around 7:00 AM EDT (4:30 PM IST).
Meet the Ax-4 Crew
The Ax-4 mission has successfully launched with its diverse and highly accomplished crew:
Dr. Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission Commander: A seasoned astronaut, Dr. Whitson holds the record for the most days in space by an American, with an astounding 675 days logged. Her unparalleled experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the crew through their complex scientific endeavors and ensuring mission success.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot: Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Group Captain Shukla is an accomplished Indian Air Force test pilot with over 2,000 flight hours on various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. Selected as one of the astronaut-designates for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, he is the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. During Ax-4, Shukla will conduct vital experiments focusing on space agriculture, microbial behavior, and muscle loss, providing critical data for future long-duration space missions.
Sawosz Uznanski (Poland) – Mission Specialist: Representing Poland and the European Space Agency (ESA), Sawosz Uznanski is a distinguished physicist and engineer. His experience includes overseeing operations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. As Poland’s second astronaut in space, Uznanski will dedicate his time on the ISS to scientific research, advancing ESA’s objectives in microgravity studies.
Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer specializing in polymer technology and space radiation protection, represents Hungary’s renewed commitment to human spaceflight through the HUNOR program. As Hungary’s second astronaut, Kapu will participate in experiments related to space health and technology, marking a significant stride for the nation’s space ambitions.
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