Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission Live Updates: Docking Approach Begins, Indian Astronaut Calls Home

Once aboard the station, Expedition 73 crew members, including NASA astronauts, Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky will welcome the Axiom-4 astronauts, as per NASA.

The crew is scheduled to remain at the space station, conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities for about two weeks before a return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of California.

Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carried a plush white swan named ‘Joy’ as his companion in space while embarking on a historic flight to the Space Station (ISS). Joy served as the mission’s Zero-G indicator—an object that signals the onset of weightlessness within the spacecraft.

The swan’s presence holds cultural and spiritual resonance, particularly for India. In Hindu mythology, the swan is the vahana (divine mount) of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, and the arts. The bird symbolises purity, transcendence, and the quiet grace of knowledge—an apt companion for a mission rooted in science, exploration, and international collaboration.

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he did his schooling at City Montessori School (CMS), Aliganj Campus, in Lucknow, He had secretly applied for the Union Public Service Commission’s NDA exam, which is passed successfully.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Defence Academy in 2005. He also pursued an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

As Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla lifted off into the Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his mother, Asha Shukla, spoke to CNN-News18 and said that it was an emotional and pride moment for the family.

“I am feeling very happy. It’s a proud and emotional moment for us,” said the visibly elated mother.

India’s presence in space just reached new heights, quite literally, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla blasted off on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the Space Station (ISS).

But while the achievement is monumental, what truly struck a chord with many Indians was his song of choice for the big moment — the soul-stirring Swades track “Yun Hi Chala Chal.” The song featured Shah Rukh Khan and Makarand Deshpande.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution after Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by embarking on a space odyssey along with three others to the Space Station as part of a commercial mission by Axiom Space.

Speaking at the Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw read out the resolution: “We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the Space Station.”

American astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson hailed Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey into space as a milestone not just for India but for all of humanity.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Neil deGrasse Tyson said, “It is evidence of India’s progress in space. We can think of this as a stepping stone which helps psychologically and emotionally, as it helps pry open opportunities that follow- including India’s own mission to space.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch of the Axiom-4 space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States, calling it a proud moment for the nation.

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

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said he felt “immensely proud” after launching from the very same site where the Apollo 11 mission once took off. “While taking off, I had the Indian tricolour on my shoulders, which reminded me that I was not doing this mission alone.”

“I want each one of you to feel like a part of this mission and feel as proud as I do.It’s not just about technical ambition — it’s about the spirit and purpose behind the entire journey. Over the next 14 days, I aim to complete key tasks and capture my experiences, so I can share them with you all,” he said.