Axiom 4 Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla and Crew Orbit Earth, Docking at ISS Scheduled Today

Axiom 4 Mission: After several delays, the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has finally launched on a historic space mission from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday and will dock at the International Space Station in a few hours.

According to NASA, the SpaceX spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 crew is orbiting the Earth and will reach the space station at 7 am ET (4:30 pm Indian time). The aircraft is carrying Shukla, who will be the pilot, along with Axiom-4 commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.

The Falcon-9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The spacecraft is slated to dock at the ISS on June 26, which will mark the start of the crew's 14-day mission. '

"The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 26," said NASA.

Shukla, who is also referred to as ‘Shux’ by his team, will play a key role for docking at the ISS. As the mission pilot, Shukla will be required to monitor the trajectory, orbital parameters and the movement of the space station as Dragon prepares to dock.

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The spacecraft will dock automatically to the space-facing port of the ISS's Harmony module. This complex process involves the capsule slowly moving closer to the ISS using small thruster burns. As it nears the station, the spacecraft will stop at several points—first at 400 metres away, then 200 metres, and finally 20 metres—to make sure everything is lined up correctly.

Once it's close enough, the Dragon capsule will perform a "soft capture", where magnetic guides gently pull it into position. This will be followed by a "hard capture", when mechanical latches lock the spacecraft firmly to the ISS. After that, NASA engineers will check the air pressure and make sure there are no leaks before opening the hatch for the crew to enter the station.

Once the docking is successful, the Axiom-4 crew will carry out around 60 experiments regarding microgravity. Of this, Shubhanshu Shukla is listed to perform around seven experiments.

The mission also includes five joint projects between NASA and ISRO, as well as two science activities designed for students (STEM demonstrations). These experiments will help scientists understand how space affects living things, materials, and technology, and will support future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Shortly after reaching space, Shukla sent a message back to Earth, saying, “Namaskar, mere pyaare deshvasiyon. What a ride! We are orbiting Earth at 27,000 kmph.”

This is a historic moment for India, as Shukla becomes the first Indian to go to space in over 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.

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NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will be on duty at the beginning of their shift, monitoring the Crew Dragon spacecraft during its automated approach and rendezvous manoeuvres. After docking, the Axiom-4 astronauts will greet the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, call down to Earth for welcoming remarks, then participate in a safety briefing with the station residents, NASA said.

It also aims to demonstrate the growing role of private companies in facilitating international human spaceflight and the expanding use of the ISS for commercial and diplomatic initiatives.

Shukla is only the second Indian to venture into space after a gap of 40 years since Rakesh Sharma’s legendary spaceflight in 1984. His journey not only symbolises India’s return to human spaceflight but also reflects the nation’s growing ambitions in global space exploration.

v“Namaskar, my dear countrymen; we have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride," Shukla said. “We are orbiting Earth at a speed of 7.5 km per second, I have the Indian tricolour embossed on my shoulders that tells me that I am with all of you," he said in Hindi. “It is not just the start of my journey to the ISS but also of India’s human spaceflight. I want each one of you to be part of this journey, let us embark on India’s human space programme together," Shukla said.

“The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

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