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Key Points

ISRO celebrated as the Axiom-4 mission successfully docked with the ISS, marking a historic moment for Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The mission, witnessed by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, was a collaborative effort with NASA, SpaceX, and international partners. Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai highlighted its significance for future commercial space exploration. The crew, including astronauts from ESA and NASA, lifted off from Florida aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

Key Points: ISRO Celebrates Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic ISS Docking

  • Axiom-4 Dragon spacecraft docked with ISS ahead of schedule
  • ISRO Chairman V Narayanan witnessed the historic moment
  • Mission paves way for India's future space station ambitions
  • Crew included astronauts from NASA, ESA, and ISRO
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Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO celebrates historic docking of Dragon Spacecraft carrying Indian astronaut to ISS

ISRO hails Axiom-4 mission success as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the 634th astronaut in space aboard SpaceX Dragon.

"This predominantly commercial venture opens ways for using space as a vantage point for future exploration. – Mylswamy Annadurai"

New Delhi, June 27

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX as the Dragon Spacecraft carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS).

The Axiom Mission 4 spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26 at 16:15 hrs IST, marking a significant achievement in global space exploration.

ISRO mentioned that a team led by the Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, V Narayanan, witnessed the historic moment in the Mission Control Room at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston.

https://x.com/isro/status/1938241794468417998

In the X post, ISRO posted, "Axiom Mission 4 successfully docked with the @SpaceStation on 26 June 2025 at 16:15 hrs IST. Team ISRO, led by the Secretary, Department of Space and the Chairman, ISRO, witnessed the historical moment from the Mission Control Room at @NASA_Johnson, Houston.The welcome ceremony of the Axiom 4 Crew was completed on ISS. Mission pilot Shubhanshu Shukla is the 634th Astronaut to be in Space. Heartiest congratulations to @Axiom_Space, @NASA, @SpaceX, and all international partners on this achievement!"

Commenting on the mission, former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai described Ax-4 as a "predominantly commercial venture" that paves the way for future space exploration.

"This is predominantly a commercial venture. It opens up ways for using space as a vantage point for future exploration. It will prove useful after the International Space Station completes its lifespan. The success of this mission will enable India's future ambitions of having a space station. The International Space Station can not be named so with India not being a part of it," he said.

Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres.

Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 While this is a commercial mission, seeing an IAF officer represent us in space shows how far we've come. Hope this leads to more collaborations between ISRO and NASA. Jai Hind!
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Priya M.
Amazing achievement but I wish ISRO had sent our own rocket instead of depending on SpaceX. When will we see Indian astronauts on Gaganyaan mission? The delay is disappointing.
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Arjun S.
Commercial space missions are the future! This is a smart move by ISRO to gain experience before our own space station project. The cost-sharing model makes space exploration sustainable. Well done team!
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Sunita R.
As a science teacher, this mission has my students so excited! They're asking when India will have its own permanent presence in space. Hope this inspires more young Indians to take up aerospace careers ✨
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Vikram J.
While celebrating this achievement, we must remember that China is building its space station at rapid pace. India needs to speed up its space program if we want to compete in the new space race.
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Neha P.
The international collaboration aspect is most impressive! Indian astronaut working with NASA, ESA - this is how humanity should progress in space. More such joint missions please! 🌍🚀

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