TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes 634th Astronaut to Reach Space on Axiom-4 Mission.

Science and Technology | Dated: 27 Jun 2025

On 25–26 June 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut—launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for Axiom-4. He became the 634th human in space and the first Indian to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) in over four decades.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Shubhanshu Shukla is only the second Indian in orbit—following Rakesh Sharma in 1984—and the first to reach the ISS. He brings pride to India, marking a new chapter in the country's human spaceflight journey.
  • - Captain Shukla was officially designated the 634th astronaut by Axiom-4 commander Peggy Whitson during docking. He will fulfil the role of mission pilot for the two-week ISS experiment and technology showcase mission.
  • - The Crew Dragon capsule Grace docked with the ISS on 26 June. The 4-person Axiom-4 crew was welcomed by Expedition 73 members, and Shukla has already begun conducting microgravity experiments during the 14-day stay.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) ISRO is monitoring Shukla’s mission from Houston, gaining crucial operational learnings for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme planned for 2027. The training, docking, and research data pave the way for India’s autonomous crewed missions.
  • (ii) On 28 June, PM Narendra Modi phoned Shukla aboard the ISS. The call included joyful conversations—even about floating “gajar ka halwa” in zero gravity—and evoked nostalgic resonance with Rakesh Sharma's iconic broadcast.
  • (iii) From CM Yogi Adityanath’s congratulations to global enthusiasm for India’s re-entry into human space missions, the public response has been heartening. Lucknow, Shukla’s hometown, and ISRO officials celebrated the milestone.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently became the 634th astronaut to reach space aboard the Axiom-4 mission?

Correct Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla

🚀 Quick Recap: