On June 26, 2025, a big moment happened in space history when astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). This event marks a proud day for India and shows how far the country has come in space exploration. Shukla is part of the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, a private trip to the ISS, and his achievement is being celebrated around the world.
The Ax-4 mission includes a team from different countries, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. Alongside Shukla, the crew features Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. This mix of nationalities highlights the global effort to explore space. The team launched recently and arrived at the ISS, where they will spend time conducting experiments and testing new technology. Shukla’s role in this mission is a step forward for India’s space program, which has been growing stronger over the years.
Shukla, a trained astronaut, prepared for this mission through intense training in India and abroad. He worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and international partners to get ready. His journey to the ISS began with a launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch went smoothly, and the crew docked with the ISS after a short trip. Once inside, Shukla took his historic first steps, making history for India.
The ISS is a space station that orbits Earth, where astronauts from various countries live and work together. It has been a hub for scientific research since the late 1990s. Shukla’s presence there adds to the station’s diverse history. During his stay, he will help with experiments, including studies on how space affects the human body and tests of new equipment. This work could help future space missions, including India’s plans to send more astronauts to space.
Back in India, people are excited about Shukla’s achievement. News reports from BBC and other sources show how proud the country is. Social media is filled with messages of support, and many see this as a sign of India’s rising role in space. The country has already made headlines with missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, and now Shukla’s trip adds to that success. ISRO has been working hard to build a strong space program, and this mission shows their efforts are paying off.
The Ax-4 mission is part of a growing trend of private companies working with space agencies. Axiom Space, the company behind the trip, plans to build its own space station in the future. Shukla’s time on the ISS will last for a few weeks before he returns to Earth. His return will be watched closely, as it will mark the end of this historic mission.
Shukla’s journey is not just a personal win but a moment for all Indians. It inspires young people to dream big and shows that hard work can lead to amazing things. As the mission continues, the world will be watching to see what Shukla and his team achieve next in space.