In the spring of 2025, Indian astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission that will mark India’s first human presence in International Space Station (ISS). The landmark mission, scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, will be the second Indian government-sponsored one. human spaceship more than four decades – Wing Commander (Retd) Rakesh Sharma had gone into space as part of the Soviet mission in 1984.
At Axiom-4 mission as a result of a bilateral initiative between India and the US. More than a year ago, PM Narendra Modi, during his official visit to the US, announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Further, Isro signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight service provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup – fellow Indian astronaut, group captain Prashanth Nair – are both IAF test pilots and have joined the international crew for this mission. Commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla’s role, mission and more with TOI in an email.
“As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in performing critical spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures,” Whitson said. “The training will prepare him to handle emergency situations and perform critical system checks. In addition, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments. This role includes extensive training in the technical and operational aspects of the spacecraft, ensuring he is well prepared .to contribute to mission goals and overall success.”
In a recent Instagram live program, Isro chairman Somanath said that Indian astronauts will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for the Gaganyaan program – Isro’s first crewed mission – by providing valuable experience in spaceflight operations and international cooperation.
Whitson added that Axiom Space has developed a comprehensive training program for astronauts, emphasizing technical skills and emergency preparedness.
“We cooperate with Nasa and other international space agencies to ensure a smooth integration with the ISS. In addition, Axiom invests in medical research and advanced technology to monitor and maintain the health of astronauts during the mission. By using this strategy, Axiom Space aims to reduce risk. and ensure the success of our mission,” he said.
Elaborating on the preparations, he said the Ax-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at Nasa, SpaceX founded by Elon Musk, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa), and other partner facilities to prepare for the mission. The training covers safety protocols, health management, and ISS system operations.
“We train on ISS mockups, check procedures and create emergency scenarios to make sure we are ready for any situation. In addition, we receive special training for research and technology demonstration loads for the mission,” he said.
The preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. Such comprehensive training ensures astronauts are well equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of the ISS.
The mission will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Naga’s automatic docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a safe journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, sets the Ax-4 mission apart from previous space efforts.
Whitson is America’s most experienced astronaut with a history of 675 days in space. His extensive experience, including roles as two-time ISS commander and former chief of Nasa’s Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. His current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission’s importance to developing commercial space ventures.
Also part of the Ax-4 mission to the ISS are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, a member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronic systems for space applications.
Kapu, selected for the Hungarian Astronaut to Orbit Program (Hunor), specializes in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
“The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days on the ISS. This mission will mark the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each country’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight .This mission for more than 40 years underscores how Axiom Space is redefining the path to low Earth orbit and elevating the national space program globally,” Whitson said.
The Ax-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that promote commercial activities in space.
“The mission normalizes access, allowing countries and space agencies with different capacities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. , Axiom promotes collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom builds a space ecosystem sustainable and innovative commercial,” said Whitson.
At Axiom-4 mission as a result of a bilateral initiative between India and the US. More than a year ago, PM Narendra Modi, during his official visit to the US, announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Further, Isro signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, an American human spaceflight service provider and infrastructure developer.
Shukla and his backup – fellow Indian astronaut, group captain Prashanth Nair – are both IAF test pilots and have joined the international crew for this mission. Commander Peggy Whitson shared exclusive details about Shukla’s role, mission and more with TOI in an email.
“As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in performing critical spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures,” Whitson said. “The training will prepare him to handle emergency situations and perform critical system checks. In addition, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments. This role includes extensive training in the technical and operational aspects of the spacecraft, ensuring he is well prepared .to contribute to mission goals and overall success.”
In a recent Instagram live program, Isro chairman Somanath said that Indian astronauts will conduct five experiments on the ISS as part of the mission. The mission will also help India prepare for the Gaganyaan program – Isro’s first crewed mission – by providing valuable experience in spaceflight operations and international cooperation.
Whitson added that Axiom Space has developed a comprehensive training program for astronauts, emphasizing technical skills and emergency preparedness.
“We cooperate with Nasa and other international space agencies to ensure a smooth integration with the ISS. In addition, Axiom invests in medical research and advanced technology to monitor and maintain the health of astronauts during the mission. By using this strategy, Axiom Space aims to reduce risk. and ensure the success of our mission,” he said.
Elaborating on the preparations, he said the Ax-4 astronauts will undergo rigorous training at Nasa, SpaceX founded by Elon Musk, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa), and other partner facilities to prepare for the mission. The training covers safety protocols, health management, and ISS system operations.
“We train on ISS mockups, check procedures and create emergency scenarios to make sure we are ready for any situation. In addition, we receive special training for research and technology demonstration loads for the mission,” he said.
The preparation also includes learning about launch site operations. Such comprehensive training ensures astronauts are well equipped to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique environment of the ISS.
The mission will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. Naga’s automatic docking capabilities and state-of-the-art life support systems ensure a safe journey for the crew. This technology, combined with the diverse expertise of the international crew, sets the Ax-4 mission apart from previous space efforts.
Whitson is America’s most experienced astronaut with a history of 675 days in space. His extensive experience, including roles as two-time ISS commander and former chief of Nasa’s Astronaut Office, brings invaluable expertise to the mission. His current position as director of human spaceflight for Axiom Space further underscores the mission’s importance to developing commercial space ventures.
Also part of the Ax-4 mission to the ISS are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, a member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Class of 2022, brings his expertise in radiation testing and electronic systems for space applications.
Kapu, selected for the Hungarian Astronaut to Orbit Program (Hunor), specializes in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.
“The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days on the ISS. This mission will mark the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each country’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight .This mission for more than 40 years underscores how Axiom Space is redefining the path to low Earth orbit and elevating the national space program globally,” Whitson said.
The Ax-4 mission aims to support policy frameworks and incentives that promote commercial activities in space.
“The mission normalizes access, allowing countries and space agencies with different capacities to contribute to and benefit from space exploration. , Axiom promotes collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development. Through these efforts, Axiom builds a space ecosystem sustainable and innovative commercial,” said Whitson.