Lift-Off Confirmed: India’s Shukla Onboard ISS-Bound Spacecraft

Jun 25, 2025 Khushi Kumari

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla readies to become the first Indian aboard the ISS via a commercial mission — Axiom Mission‑4 with SpaceX

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A four‑astronaut international lineup: Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Pilot Shukhla (India), and specialists from Poland & Hungary

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Shukhla will pilot the SpaceX Crew Dragon atop the reliable Falcon 9 rocket, departing Florida’s iconic LC‑39A

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This marks India’s second crewed spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma and the first by an ISRO-designate on the ISS

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Originally set for May 29, it faced six delays—from LOX leaks on Falcon 9 to ISS module safety concerns—before finally landing on June 25

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On June 25 at 12:01 IST, SpaceX declared a 90 % go—crew strapped in, Dragon hatch closed, and weather prime

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First photos show a confident Shukhla and team, in full gear, seated inside the spacecraft moments before liftoff

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India’s national team views this flight as a precursor to Gaganyaan, its own crewed mission by 2027. Shukhla is set to carry out Indian‑led experiments aboard ISS

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