ISRO and Indian Air Force Join Forces as Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Become Second Indian in Space on Ax-4 Mission
In a landmark move for India’s human spaceflight ambitions, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, flying aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025. The mission underscores the growing synergy between the ISRO and the Indian Air Force, marking a significant step in India’s deepening involvement in international space exploration.
ISRO–IAF Collaboration Reaches New Heights
This historic mission is the result of a well-coordinated partnership between ISRO and the Indian Air Force, combining space expertise with military discipline and aeromedical readiness. Shukla, a highly trained IAF officer, was selected by ISRO as part of a broader plan to train elite Indian pilots for future space missions. This selection follows rigorous testing and joint astronaut training initiatives supported by both organizations.
A Historic Moment After Four Decades
Group Captain Shukla follows the trail blazed by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian in space in 1984. Now, over 40 years later, Shukla’s flight represents not just a return to space for India, but a giant leap in military–space cooperation, as both ISRO and IAF gear up for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
The Ax-4 mission, operated by US-based Axiom Space, will include an international crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with astronauts from Poland and Hungary also onboard. The crew will conduct scientific research, commercial projects, and educational outreach during their 14-day stay on the ISS.
Paving the Way for Gaganyaan
Shukla’s ISS mission also serves as a key preparatory step for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme, slated to launch in 2026. His time in orbit will provide essential operational experience ahead of India’s first independent crewed spaceflight.
To ensure seamless execution, ISRO has appointed another IAF officer, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, as a backup astronaut for the Ax-4 mission. This strategic redundancy highlights the depth of ISRO–IAF collaboration and India’s long-term commitment to building a robust human spaceflight capability.
Expanding India’s Role in Global Space Partnerships
By securing a seat on the commercial SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, ISRO is actively engaging with international space players. The mission is symbolic of India’s new phase of global cooperation, breaking barriers in technology sharing and positioning Indian astronauts as part of the world’s elite spacefaring community.
This mission not only highlights India’s space capabilities but also showcases how inter-agency collaboration can fast-track progress. The Indian Air Force brings operational excellence, while ISRO delivers technological and mission expertise — a powerful combination as India aims for a larger presence in low Earth orbit and beyond.