Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : Get ready for some stellar news from India's space program! Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to make history. He has been selected as the pilot for the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a joint venture between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This marks a monumental step for India in human spaceflight.
Shukla won't just be a passenger; he's slated to be the co-pilot of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, making him the first Indian to pilot a US commercial spacecraft. He'll be journeying to the International Space Station (ISS) for a significant 14-day mission, likely in 2025. This makes him only the second Indian citizen to venture into space, following in the legendary footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet Soyuz mission in 1984.
Falcon 9 and Dragon rolled out to pad 39A in Florida earlier today ahead of Tuesday’s launch of @Axiom_Space’s Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/IenCNUSYFQ
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 7, 2025
During his two-week stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, Shukla will be at the forefront of crucial scientific research. He's tasked with leading a series of key space experiments. These experiments are expected to cover a range of scientific disciplines, contributing valuable data and insights that can only be gathered in the unique microgravity environment of space.
Shukla's selection is a testament to his exceptional skills and rigorous training. As an accomplished test pilot with the IAF, he brings a wealth of experience in handling complex aerospace systems. He has undergone extensive training both in Russia and the United States, preparing him for the challenges and responsibilities of this demanding mission. The Ax-4 mission itself will be commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson.
This mission is a significant milestone for the NASA-ISRO Human Space Flight program and a proud moment for India. It not only showcases India's growing capabilities in space exploration but also strengthens international collaboration in this frontier. The experience and knowledge gained from Ax-4 will also be invaluable for India's own ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space on an Indian spacecraft.
The world will be watching as Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on this pioneering journey, carrying the aspirations of a nation to new heights.
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