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Key Points

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as an Indian astronaut aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. The mission, originally scheduled for June 10, has been postponed to June 11 due to weather conditions. Shukla will join an elite group of Indian space travelers, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Rakesh Sharma. This journey represents a significant milestone in India's expanding role in global space exploration.

Key Points: Shubhanshu Shukla IAF Astronaut Set for Historic Axiom-4 Mission

  • IAF wishes astronaut Shukla for landmark Axiom-4 space mission
  • SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch rescheduled to June 11
  • First Indian following Rakesh Sharma's space legacy
  • Mission symbolizes India's growing space exploration capabilities
2 min read

'All the best', IAF wishes astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for historic Axiom-4 Mission

Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for groundbreaking Axiom-4 space mission to International Space Station

"Touch the sky with glory! - Indian Air Force Official Statement"

New Delhi, June 10

As Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for a journey into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday extended heartfelt wishes to its officer and crew.

The much-anticipated mission to the International Space Station (ISS), originally slated for June 10, has been postponed by a day due to unfavourable weather conditions.

In a statement posted on X, the IAF wrote: "As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey. Touch the sky with glory!"

Group Captain Shukla, a distinguished officer of the Indian Air Force, is set to become one of the few Indians to visit the ISS, joining an elite cadre of Indian astronauts following the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma and others. His mission is being facilitated by Axiom Space, a US-based private space company, in collaboration with SpaceX and international space agencies.

The four-member Axiom-4 crew, including Shukla, will lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch is now scheduled for June 11 at 8.00 a.m. ET (5.30 p.m. IST).

The mission has faced multiple delays, having initially been scheduled for May 29. It was first rescheduled to June 8 and then to June 10 before being pushed to June 11 due to persistent weather concerns.

Dr V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, confirmed the latest postponement via social media: "Due to weather conditions, the launch of Axiom-4 mission for sending Indian Gaganyatri to International Space Station is postponed from 10th June 2025 to 11th June 2025," he posted.

The mission marks a significant step in India’s expanding role in global space exploration, especially as the nation prepares for its own ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
So proud to see an IAF officer representing India in space! 🇮🇳 This is truly a historic moment for our nation. Hope Group Captain Shukla's mission inspires millions of young Indians to dream big. Jai Hind!
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Priya M.
The delays are disappointing but safety must come first. Better to wait than take risks when dealing with space travel. Wishing the entire team success - we're all rooting for you from down here! ✨
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Amit S.
While this is exciting, I hope ISRO focuses equally on our own Gaganyaan program. Relying on foreign agencies is good for now, but we must develop indigenous capabilities. Still, best wishes to Shukla sir - make us proud!
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Sunita R.
My children are so excited about this mission! They've been making paper rockets all week 🚀. It's wonderful to see space exploration capturing young imaginations again. Hope schools use this as a teaching moment about science careers.
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Vikram J.
The IAF's message gave me goosebumps - "Touch the sky with glory" is perfect! Remember watching Rakesh Sharma's mission as a kid. Now after 40 years, another Indian going to space. Hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one!
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Neha P.
The collaboration with Axiom Space shows how far India has come in global space partnerships. But I do wish media would cover the scientists and engineers behind these missions with equal enthusiasm. They're the real heroes!

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