Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS in May 2025 on Historic SpaceX Mission

India is going to make history in its space mission as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, astronaut-designate under ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Programme, will be flying to the International Space Station (ISS) next month. The Centre formally announced the mission schedule, which is going to be India’s first human space mission in more than four decades.

Govemrnment Confirms ISS Flight

Union Minister of Space and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh made the announcement, stating, “The International space mission with an Indian astronaut is planned for next month. India is on the cusp of writing a defining chapter in its space odyssey. An Indian astronaut is to undertake a historic space mission as ISRO embarks on bold new horizons. India’s space aspirations are flying higher with Gaganyaan preparations, ISS mission, and a launch season this summer.”

Part of Private SpaceX Mission aboard Axiom Space

Group Captain Rakesh Shukla, a veteran Indian Air Force test pilot, has been undergoing training with NASA and Axiom Space in the United States for the last eight months. He will be the assigned pilot on the next Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The commercial spaceflight, which is costing India more than $60 million, will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The team will ride to space aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Ex-NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is currently associated with Axiom Space, will lead the mission. The crew also consists of Slawosz Uznanski from Poland, an European Space Agency astronaut, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both mission specialists.

Youngest Indian Astronaut for Strategic Role

Shukla is the youngest of ISRO’s astronaut candidates at 40, a consideration that went into choosing him for this mission. His comparatively young age guarantees him many years left in his career in India’s human space exploration program.

The choice aligns with ISRO’s larger goals to develop operational preparedness for future indigenous manned missions such as Gaganyaan.

Historic Comeback Since 1984

The ISS mission is India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma made history flying aboard the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. “India is poised for its next space milestone,” Minister Singh stated, emphasizing the larger import of the flight.

Preparing for Gaganyaan and Beyond

Dr V Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary, confirmed that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is ready for the mission. His inclusion on Ax-4 will impart invaluable hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, microgravity adaptation, launch protocols, and emergency readiness—all important for the success of the Gaganyaan mission.

Shukla, one of the prime contenders for Gaganyaan, will be able to contribute rich learnings from this global partnership that will define the contours for future human spaceflights by India.

Strategic Global Partnerships in Space

What makes this mission stand out is its strategic significance. While India’s earlier symbolic human spaceflight was more about symbolism, this flight focuses on operational capability and global cooperation. “India’s increasing thrust towards public-private international cooperation in space and its determination to become a serious player in human space exploration,” captures the spirit of this mission, says government sources.

India’s Growing Space Aspirations

Minister Singh again stressed the need for international cooperation and technology-sharing for realizing India’s ambitious space targets. “The partnership with international partners and the strategic pace of missions such as Gaganyaan demonstrate India’s vision of becoming a world leader in space technology,” he added. He also emphasized that these missions are part of India’s bigger dream of becoming self-reliant and technologically superior.

A New Chapter in Space Exploration

Group Captain Shukla’s flight on the Ax-4 mission marks a new era of bravery for India in space exploration. It is not only a benchmark for ISRO but a watershed moment for India’s increasing position in international space missions. His adventure symbolizes India’s dream to establish its position among the select few of human spaceflight nations and become a leader in space innovation from the front lines.