Axiom-04 Launch: IAF’s Shubhanshu Flies to Space with Tricolor on His Shoulder

International News: India, which once made its mark in space history through pioneers like Kalpana Chawla and Rakesh Sharma, has now stepped into a bold new chapter of space exploration. The AXIOM-04 mission, which began in shared collaboration with NASA and ISRO, has shown the world that India is becoming one of the leading powers of space science.

On the date of June 24, 2025, when the Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX left for the heights of the sky from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, America, India had new hope, new confidence, and a new history. Shubhanshu is not only representing the country, but he has also established India's emotional appearance in space, wearing a tricolor on his shoulder.

It is a symbol of mission science, technology, and international cooperation, but at the same time it is also an inspiration for the younger generation that once read about space only in books. Today, the youth of India themselves are becoming a part of space trips, and the world is waving on the world stage.

Historical flight with a team of 4 astronauts

AXIOM-04 has gone on a trip to space with Shubhanshu under the mission:

• Pagi Whitson (America)
• Slavosha Ujnanski-Visnievski (Europe)
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

These four will be transported to the International Space Station (ISS) by the Dragon Spacecraft. US time is fixed at 7 am on Tuesday morning and Indian time at 4 pm. Docking of the spacecraft is scheduled.

AXIOM-04: First picture of mission surfaced

SpaceX has shared the first official picture of the mission on social media, in which all astronauts are seen ready for the mission in their spacesuits. In this photo, Shubhanshu's confidence and responsibility are clearly visible.

Mother bid him farewell with curd & sugar

Before leaving, Shubhanshu spoke to his family through video calls. His mother gave him a traditional Indian blessing by feeding him curd and sugar. During this emotional moment, Shubhanshu said,

"Wait for me ... I'm coming."

His sister said, "We have tears of happiness in our eyes. We are feeling very proud. He is going far away, but we are all with him."

Shubhanshu's first message from space 

Shortly after the flight of Axiom-04 Mission, Shubhanshu Shukla sent his first emotional message from space to India:

"Hello, my dear countrymen, After many years, we have reached space again. This journey is very amazing.
I have a tricolor on my shoulder. Hail India!"

Travel of Shubhanshu: From Gaganyaan to Axiom-04

Shubhanshu was previously included in the potential crew of India's Gaganyaan Mission but was later selected for the International Mission Axiom-04. He has so far gained over 2000 flight hours of experience and has recorded a record of flying aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30, MIG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, and Dornier.

Why is this mission special?

• This is a major jump in space research in collaboration with India and the US.
• The symbol of cooperation of private and government space institutions.
• Shubhanshu Shukla has increased the pride of crores of countrymen by waving the Indian flag into space.