Here’s the latest on the historic docking of Axiom Mission 4 at the International Space Station:
- Docking achieved: The SpaceX Dragon “Grace” capsule, piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla, soft-docked at 4:02 PM IST, completed hard docking by 4:16 PM IST on June 26, 2025.
- Crew entry & hatch opening: The ISS conducted pressurization checks and opened the hatch around 5:48 PM IST, allowing Shukla and crew to enter the station.
- Historic milestone: Shubhanshu Shukla is now the first Indian ever to board the ISS, and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
- Emotional moments: His sister said, “We are very happy and proud of him”
while prominent figures like former ISRO chief G. Madhavan Nair called it a “historic moment for India”. - Mission specifics: Crew includes commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. It’s a 14‑day ISS mission focused on experiments in microgravity and life sciences.
- India–space synergy: Shukla piloted the Dragon, carrying “joy” the zero‑gravity toy, sending a warm greeting to Earth with “Namaskar from Space”
🔭 What’s Next?
| Step | What Happens Next |
|---|---|
| Hatch opening | Crew finalizes station entry and adapts to microgravity. |
| Science ops | They’ll conduct India-sponsored experiments in plant biology, human health, and microalgae. |
| Two‑week stay | The team will stay aboard ISS until around July 10, conducting tests and experiments. |
🌏 Why It Matters
- India in orbit again after 41 years—not just reaching space, but stepping onto the ISS.
- Strategic boost to India’s Gaganyaan ambitions, offering valuable real-world experience.
- Strengthens private–public global space efforts, featuring collaboration among SpaceX, Axiom Space, NASA, ISRO, and national space agencies.
This docking is not only a personal milestone for Shukla but a landmark in India’s journey back to human spaceflight—and into the orbiting lab that’s shaping our future in space.
