Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla officially became astronaut No. 634 after docking the Axiom-4 crew at the ISS on June 26, 2025. He described the experience as a “wonderful ride,” though noted “my head is a little heavy” in zero gravity, yet expressed excitement for the next 14 days of scientific research aboard the station . Shukla shared heartfelt messages in English and Hindi, thanking India for its blessings and assuring that “with your love and blessings, I have safely reached the ISS,” urging national participation in his journey . His pinning marks India’s second man in space and its first ISS presence, after Rakesh Sharma.

On June 26, 2025, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Grace” successfully docked with the ISS, carrying four crew members—including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as mission pilot—as part of the Axiom‑4 mission . Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the ISS and second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, marking a historic milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary . Launching from Kennedy Space Center on June 25, the crew will spend two weeks conducting around 60 scientific experiments . The milestone underscores expanding international and private-sector roles in low Earth orbit missions.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Shukla, mission pilot on Axiom-4 (Ax-4), launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and docked with the ISS after 28 hours. He joins astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary for a 14-day mission to conduct over 60 experiments. In an emotional message, Shukla said, “Namaskar from space,” expressing pride in representing India. Prime Minister Modi hailed the mission as a symbol of India's growing space prowess and international collaboration in science. 

After successfully entering the International Space Station, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared his excitement and awe at the experience. Calling the journey aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “a wonderful ride,” he expressed how the view of Earth from space was beyond imagination. He thanked the crew aboard the ISS for a warm and cheerful welcome, saying it immediately made him feel at home. Shukla, who was awarded ISS pin number 634, said he is looking forward to the next 14 days, calling them “amazing” and full of opportunities to learn, contribute, and inspire.

The hatch to the International Space Station (ISS) has officially opened, marking a historic moment as Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to enter the orbital lab. Following a successful docking by the SpaceX Dragon capsule under the Axiom-4 mission, the crew completed pressurization and hatch-opening procedures around 5:00 PM IST on June 26. Shukla, now aboard the ISS, is expected to speak soon in his first public interaction from space. His 14-day mission will include critical India-backed scientific experiments, strengthening India's presence in global space exploration and advancing its Gaganyaan ambitions.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is ready to step into the International Space Station (ISS) after a successful docking by the Axiom-4 mission. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and three other astronauts docked with the ISS at 4:01 PM IST on June 26, following a smooth 28-hour journey from Kennedy Space Center. Shukla will soon enter the ISS to begin a 14-day stay, where he will lead seven Indian experiments focused on microgravity's impact on human health, plant biology, and algae. This marks a proud moment for India and a key step toward the Gaganyaan mission.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history on Thursday as the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom-4 crew successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 4:43 pm IST. This marks the first time an Indian has reached the ISS. The docking concluded a 33-hour journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the mission launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The historic moment took place 424 km above Earth, marking a giant leap in India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Shukla, part of a four-member team, will spend 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific research.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is minutes away from making history as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace," which he is piloting, approaches final docking with the International Space Station (ISS). After over 24 hours in orbit since its launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon is now just 20 meters from the ISS, having maneuvered from beneath to above the station. Shukla, the first Indian to journey to the ISS, leads the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission’s 14-day stay in space. The docking process is being streamed live as India awaits the historic soft capture 400 km above Earth.

As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace" closes in on its historic docking with the International Space Station (ISS), the ISS has confirmed visual contact with the vehicle. Flying east of Africa, the Dragon was captured in its first image from the ISS as it approached from below. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was seen closely monitoring the docking sequence alongside Mission Commander Peggy Whitson. The Ax-4 mission is moments away from making history as Shukla prepares to become the first Indian to dock with the ISS. Docking is expected at 3:48 pm IST, with live visuals being relayed from space. (PC: India Today)

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is moments away from docking the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian in space. The Dragon is now just 400 meters from the space station, with final docking expected by 3:48 pm IST. Accompanied by a plush swan named Joy, Shukla and the Ax-4 crew will spend 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments and representing India’s growing role in human spaceflight.