Shubhanshu Shukla To Make History: Meet The Crew Flying With Him On Axiom-4 Mission To Space

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 10:45 IST

Axiom-4 brings together astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the US, marking the first ISS mission for three nations in over four decades

Axiom Mission 4 crew, from left to right, ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. (Image: @NASASpaceOps/PTI)

History is set to be written as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew takes off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center today, i.e. June 25, 2025. Aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, the four-member team includes astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States, marking the first time these three nations will reach the International Space Station (ISS).

The Ax-4 mission is also only the second government-backed human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary since the 1980s. Here’s a look at the astronauts on board.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot

From test pilot to astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma (1984). A decorated Indian Air Force officer from Lucknow, Shukla is part of India’s Gaganyaan astronaut pool. On Ax-4, he will lead research on microbial behaviour, muscle loss, and space farming.

Dr Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander

A veteran of multiple spaceflights, Dr Peggy Whitson holds the US record for most cumulative time in space — 675 days. Having previously led a commercial space mission, she returns as commander of Ax-4, bringing unmatched experience to the table. Her role will be central to the crew’s scientific goals and in-orbit operations aboard the ISS.

Sławosz Uznański (Poland) – Mission Specialist

Representing Poland and the European Space Agency (ESA), Sławosz Uznański is a physicist and CERN engineer. He becomes only the second Polish national to go to space, following Mirosław Hermaszewski’s flight in 1978. Uznański will conduct ESA-led microgravity experiments aboard the station.

Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist

A mechanical engineer focused on radiation shielding and advanced materials, Tibor Kapu represents Hungary’s return to human spaceflight after over four decades. His participation is part of the Hungarian government’s HUNOR programme. On board the ISS, Kapu will carry out health and materials research relevant to long-term space travel.

Why Axiom-4 Matters

Axiom-4 is the second commercial human spaceflight composed entirely of government and ESA-sponsored astronauts. For India, Poland, and Hungary, it marks a strategic leap forward in their national space ambitions.

The official mission patch features all four flags and the motto “Space is for everyone", with seven stars symbolising inclusivity across continents.

As the countdown begins, the Axiom-4 mission underscores how global collaboration is powering the next chapter in space exploration, and how nations with historic legacies are once again reaching for the stars.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Location :

First Published:

News india Shubhanshu Shukla To Make History: Meet The Crew Flying With Him On Axiom-4 Mission To Space