India’s dreams of space exploration take a brief pause as the eagerly awaited journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station has been postponed once more. The mission, part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 programme, was first scheduled for May 29, later moved to June 8, and now, after further operational refinements and quarantine procedures, the launch is expected to lift off on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST.
Shukla, who is serving as the mission’s pilot, is poised to etch his name in the stars as the first Indian to board the International Space Station and the second Indian to journey into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic voyage in 1984. The Ax-4 crew includes space veteran and commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, along with first-time space travelers Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Sharing his emotions on this milestone, Shukla said, “I carry not just technical equipment but the hopes and dreams of 1.7 billion Indians. I will be conducting seven scientific experiments that could contribute significantly to our understanding of microgravity and pave the way for future space research. In many ways, I see myself as a bridge between Earth and space.”
Shukla added, “Personally, I am most excited about seeing the Earth from space, floating in microgravity, adapting to the unique rhythm of space, and discovering how even everyday activities become extraordinary.”
Shukla will also be interacting with students, educators, and the space community throughout the mission. “If even one person is inspired to explore, we will have succeeded,” he said. Alongside his scientific goals, he will also carry artefacts created by the National Institute of Design, reflecting the spirit of Indian creativity and innovation.
Currently, the Ax-4 crew is under a strict health stabilisation phase at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, which began on May 25. This standard quarantine protocol ensures the astronauts are free from any illness that could impact the ISS or mission performance.
“To the people of India, this mission is a milestone and I request India to pray for success of the mission. Even stars are attainable, Jai Hind,” Shukla concluded.
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