India returns to human spaceflight after 41 years with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. Learn about ISRO’s Gaganyaan program and India’s space ambitions at The Interview Times.
India has made a triumphant return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the second Indian astronaut to venture into space. Launched on June 25, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic milestone, reported by The Interview Times, marks a significant step for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program and its growing presence in the global space race.
A Historic Leap for India’s Space Program
The Ax-4 mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the European Space Agency, sees Shukla undertaking a 14-day mission on the ISS. This follows Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11, which made India the fourth nation capable of human spaceflight. Shukla’s journey, costing ISRO ₹550 crore, is a critical precursor to India’s first indigenous crewed mission, Gaganyaan, slated for 2026.
“India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades is a testament to our scientific prowess and determination,” said ISRO Chairman S. Somanath in a statement on June 25, 2025. “Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission will pave the way for Gaganyaan and our vision of an Indian space station by 2035.”
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission: Science and Training in Space
During his time on the ISS, Shukla will conduct approximately 60 experiments, including eight from India. These experiments focus on critical areas such as muscle regeneration in microgravity, cyanobacteria growth for sustainable life support, and space-based manufacturing. According to Axiom Space, the mission also includes outreach activities, with Shukla engaging in live interactions with Indian students to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force test pilot, underwent rigorous training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Axiom’s facilities. His role in Ax-4 provides hands-on experience in space operations, vital for Gaganyaan’s success.
“This mission is not just about me but about India’s dreams of reaching the stars,” Shukla said before the launch.
Gaganyaan: India’s Path to Independent Spaceflight
The Gaganyaan program, with a budget of ₹20,193 crore (US$2.4 billion), aims to send a three-member crew to a 400 km orbit for up to seven days in 2026 using India’s LVM3 rocket. ISRO has scheduled three uncrewed test flights in 2025, with the first, Gaganyaan-1, set for October. These tests will validate the crew module, life support systems, and crew escape mechanisms, ensuring astronaut safety.
Must Read: Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s Astronaut Soars to ISS on Axiom-4
India’s Ambitious Space Roadmap
India’s space ambitions extend beyond Gaganyaan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined plans for an Indian space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040. According to a recent PwC India report, the country’s space economy, valued at $8.4 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, driven by ISRO’s missions and private sector growth.
The Ax-4 mission has also sparked public enthusiasm. Posts on X reflect national pride, with users calling Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight “a giant leap for India’s space journey.” However, some raised concerns about the mission’s cost, prompting ISRO to clarify that the investment aligns with long-term strategic goals.
Global Context and Future Prospects
India’s return to human spaceflight places it among an elite group of nations, including the US, Russia, and China, with active crewed space programs. The Ax-4 mission underscores ISRO’s growing partnerships, with NASA providing technical support and SpaceX handling the launch. “This collaboration strengthens our capabilities and positions India as a key player in space exploration,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, on June 25, 2025.
As India gears up for Gaganyaan and beyond, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission serves as a beacon of inspiration. With the nation’s eyes on the stars, The Interview Times will continue to bring the latest updates on India’s space odyssey.