PM Modi connects with Shubhanshu Shukla on Axiom-4 mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla just became the first Indian in over 40 years to cross the Karman line, blasting off aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon Grace as part of Axiom Mission 4.
He and his team docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26, 2025, marking a proud moment for India's space program.
Mission details
Axiom Mission 4 is India's first trip to the ISS. Shukla and his crew will spend about two weeks running experiments led by Indian scientists—think seeds, algae, and how humans handle microgravity.
They're also teaming up with the resident ISS crew for cargo transfers and daily station life.
First Indian in over 40 years to reach space like this
Shukla is the first Indian since Rakesh Sharma in 1984 to reach space like this. It's also a debut ISS visit for Poland and Hungary.
With over 2,000 flying hours and experience training pilots, Shukla brings serious skills to this milestone journey.
What to watch in the night sky?
The ISS looks like a bright dot zipping across the night sky—keep an eye out during evening passes.
And if you're into stargazing, late June 2025 will be perfect: Mercury will shine high near the new moon on June 27, making for some cool skywatching moments.