After launching successfully on June 25, the Axiom 4 mission carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is now preparing to dock with the International Space Station today, June 26. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted the Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, and it is currently approaching the ISS.
Therefore, the crew is on track to reach their destination by approximately 4:30 PM IST (7 AM EST). Once they dock, the Axiom-4 team will immediately begin their 14-day microgravity research mission.
Shubhanshu Shukla, whom his crewmates affectionately call “Shux,” plays a pivotal role in the docking procedure. As the designated pilot, he actively monitors the spacecraft’s trajectory and orbital parameters. Additionally, he evaluates the ISS’s position while Dragon executes its automated approach toward the space-facing port of the Harmony module.
Since timing and precision are critical in spaceflight, Shukla’s constant attention to detail will help ensure a safe and smooth docking process.
Axiom-4 will arrive at the International Space Station and dock with it on Thursday (June 26) at 4:30 PM IST, about 28 hours after launch! 🚀
(Assuming on-time liftoff tomorrow at 12:01 PM IST) pic.twitter.com/XlLHAYEfPQ
— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 24, 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla To Oversee Docking At ISS
The Axiom 4 crew features Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Mission Specialist Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski (Poland), Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India. As the Dragon capsule steadily closes in on the ISS, Shukla handles real-time monitoring tasks and continuously ensures that all navigation systems stay within safety margins. Moreover, he contributes critical input through rapid calculations and technical assessments, which will guide the spacecraft during its final manoeuvres.
Meanwhile, NASA confirmed the docking schedule, saying, “The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 26.” Although the system automates docking, NASA emphasised that crew oversight, especially by the pilot, remains vital for mission success.
Therefore, Shubhanshu Shukla’s involvement plays a key role in achieving a safe and accurate connection.
Axiom 4 Team To Begin Microgravity Experiments
Immediately after docking, the Axiom-4 crew will begin conducting approximately 60 scientific investigations related to microgravity. Notably, Shubhanshu Shukla will lead seven of these high-impact experiments. These studies aim to generate crucial insights that could benefit medicine, space engineering, and advanced material science. As a result, the data collected will likely influence future space missions.
Furthermore, NASA announced a joint initiative with ISRO, stating, “NASA and ISRO are participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations.” These collaborative efforts highlight a strong international alliance in space exploration.
In fact, with Shubhanshu Shukla contributing significantly, this mission symbolises both scientific progress and global cooperation in orbit.
