Shubhanshu Shukla in Space Puts Trump and Modi Pact in Action

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Shubhanshu Shukla and crew greeted by Expedition 73 members at International Space Station

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 27, 2025 — The International Space Station (ISS) marked a historic milestone, welcoming its first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). The mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, underscored a new era of international collaboration in space exploration, with Indian Air Force test pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla leading the charge as India’s first astronaut to visit the ISS.

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying a four-person crew, lifted off at 2:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A, marking the beginning of a 14-day mission. Alongside Shukla were mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, with former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space commander Peggy Whitson at the helm. The crew’s arrival at the ISS was met with enthusiasm from space agencies worldwide.

“This is a proud moment for India and a significant step in our human spaceflight program,” said the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a statement. “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey represents India’s commitment to advancing space science and technology, inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.”

Shukla, a 39-year-old native of Lucknow, brings extensive experience as a combat leader and test pilot, with over 2,000 hours of flying time across aircraft like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. Selected in 2019 as part of ISRO’s astronaut corps, he was officially announced as part of India’s first human space mission team by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. His mission aboard Ax-4 is a precursor to India’s ambitious Gaganyaan program, aimed at sending Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit by 2025.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the collaboration, stating, “Axiom Mission 4 is a powerful example of American leadership bringing nations together in pursuit of science, discovery, and opportunity.” Nelson highlighted the partnership between NASA and ISRO, which facilitated Shukla’s journey, fulfilling a commitment made by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the ISS.

SpaceX, which provided the launch vehicle and spacecraft, emphasized the mission’s role in democratizing access to space. “This mission not only advances scientific research but also strengthens international ties,” said a SpaceX spokesperson. “We are proud to support astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary in their historic journey.”

Upon docking with the ISS, Shukla and his crew were greeted by Expedition 73 members, including NASA astronauts Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky. The ISS crew will conduct a series of experiments during the mission, focusing on microgravity research and technology demonstrations.

Shukla’s presence on the ISS is expected to boost national pride in India. “His journey is more than just a flight—it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration,” The Guardian reported, quoting ISRO. Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to speak with Shukla during his mission, a moment aimed at underscoring India’s growing role in global space efforts.

The mission also marks a comeback for Poland and Hungary, whose last astronauts flew during the Soviet era. Uznański-Wiśniewski and Kapu represent their countries’ renewed commitment to space exploration, with Hungary announcing a $100 million investment for its seat on Ax-4, as reported by spacenews.com. India and Poland have not disclosed their financial contributions, but the mission’s cost is estimated at over $60 million per seat.

European media outlets like Euractiv and Politico Europe highlighted the mission’s significance for international cooperation, noting that it reflects a broader trend of private companies like Axiom Space facilitating global access to the ISS. “This is a testament to the power of collaboration in space,” said Axiom Space CEO Michael Suffredini, emphasizing the mission’s role in advancing scientific and technological frontiers.

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