Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the pilot on the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, created history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to step aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The international crew, which includes representatives from the United States, Hungary, and Poland, docked successfully after a carefully timed approach aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
The docking occurred ahead of schedule, with SpaceX confirming the achievement on social media platform X, stating, “Docking confirmed!”. The operation involved a complex sequence of manoeuvres, requiring precise orbital burns and safety checks as outlined by NASA.
Aboard the ISS: India Marks a Space Milestone
The AxiomMission4 team includes Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (United States), pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and Mission Specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland). The crew entered the ISS shortly after docking, marking a landmark moment not just for India but also for Hungary and Poland, which have sent astronauts to live and work aboard the station for the first time.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauded the mission’s success and the significance of Shukla’s role. In a post on X, he wrote, “Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS … waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn…. as the world watches with excitement and expectation.”
What Goes Into Docking at the ISS
The journey to the ISS involves navigating through multiple orbital checkpoints. According to NASA, the process begins with Approach Initiation from 7 km away, followed by a series of critical engine burns such as the Phase Burn, Transfer Burn, and Final Coelliptic Burn. As the spacecraft approaches the station, it crosses into the Approach Ellipsoid and the Keep Out Sphere—virtual boundaries set up for safety in case of any emergency.
The Ax-4 mission demonstrates the high level of coordination between SpaceX, NASA, and global partners, including India’s space agency ISRO.
Axiom-4 Mission: Liftoff and Mission Duration
The mission lifted off on 25 June at 2:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew is scheduled to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, where they will engage in scientific research and commercial initiatives during their stay.