Meet Shubhanshu Shukla: The New Face of Indian Spaceflight Taking Off with a Surprise and a Baby Swan Mascot on Historic ISS Mission
IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla set to join International Space Station on Axiom Mission-4, bringing home, heritage, and heartfelt gestures to orbit.
- Launch Date: June 10, 2025, at 5:52 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre
- Mission Duration: 14 days aboard ISS
- Historic Milestone: First IAF pilot to join ISS, representing India on multinational crew
- Mascot: Baby swan ‘Joy’ as zero-gravity indicator
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is about to etch his name in the annals of space history. As he gears up for Axiom Mission-4—his first international space odyssey—Shukla’s excitement radiates beyond the science. The mission kicks off on June 10, 2025, at the legendary NASA Kennedy Space Centre, placing him among a select few Indian space travelers.
But this mission is more than a leap into the unknown; it’s a journey marked by nostalgia, gratitude, and deep-rooted Indian culture. Shukla’s suitcase won’t just contain technical gear: he’s bringing a taste of home, a sprinkle of inspiration, and a touching, secret gift for his mentor—space legend Rakesh Sharma.
What Makes This Flight to the ISS an Indian First?
Born a year after Sharma’s trailblazing 1984 voyage, Shukla grew up inspired by the first Indian in space. His journey from fighter jet fascination to astronaut reality was sparked by India’s bold ISRO Gaganyaan program open call in 2018. Now, after a year of relentless preparation, Shukla is poised to join a handpicked international crew, with astronauts from the US, Hungary, and Poland.
More than 40 years after Sharma’s Soyuz-11 jaunt, this flight signals a new chapter for India, putting homegrown talent at the forefront of 21st-century space collaboration.
What’s in Shukla’s Suitcase? The Taste of Home and the Heartfelt Gift
It’s not just technical experiments hitching a ride to the ISS. Shukla’s menu includes mango nectar and decadent halwas—gajar ka halwa and moong dal halwa—a heartwarming reminder of India while hundreds of kilometers from home.
As Shukla floats through microgravity, he’ll also carry souvenirs crafted by students from the National Institute of Design, a nod to India’s creative spirit. The highlight? A surprise gift reserved for Rakesh Sharma, his mentor and guiding star, which the IAF pilot vows to deliver in person after a safe return. The details remain tightly wrapped, adding anticipation and emotional weight to the mission.
Who is the Mission’s New Mascot ‘Joy’?
Mascots in space make news—but ‘Joy’, a plush baby swan, is more than a cute companion. Serving as the crew’s official zero-gravity indicator, ‘Joy’ symbolizes wisdom and purity for India, devotion for Hungary, and resilience for Poland. Its selection reflects the mission’s multicultural soul and shared aspirations.
Axiom Space describes the swan as the perfect emblem for unity and harmony, accentuating the spirit of global partnership that now defines space exploration. Learn more about international space partnerships at ESA.
What Science Will Shukla Conduct Aboard the ISS?
Shukla isn’t just India’s flagbearer—he’s a scientist. Over the 14-day mission, he’ll execute seven experiments designed by ISRO, from investigating microgravity’s impact on stem cells to studying crop seed behavior in orbit. These findings could catalyze medical advances and bolster India’s aspirations in agri-tech and biotechnology.
How Can You Follow the Mission and Be Inspired?
With pre-launch quarantine underway and palpable excitement brewing, Shukla plans to interact live with students, educators, and space enthusiasts from orbit. He wants to prove that space is an achievable horizon for India’s next generation—no longer a distant dream, but a future within grasp.
Stay updated on the mission’s milestones through top sources like SpaceX and Axiom Space.
What’s the Traveler’s Number—And Why Does It Matter?
Each astronaut is assigned a unique “traveler’s number,” a badge of their place in the cosmic order. For Shukla, learning his number is a personal thrill—a permanent record of his step in humanity’s interstellar march.
Ready to cheer on Shukla and India’s next big leap?
Checklist: How to Catch This Historic Space Moment
- Mark June 10, 2025, 5:52 PM IST for Falcon 9 liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre.
- Watch for live updates and interactive sessions with Shukla from the ISS.
- Follow official sources—ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space—for mission details.
- Celebrate India’s rising stars in space exploration by inspiring young learners and sharing the story.
The countdown has begun. Witness history, celebrate ingenuity, and dream bigger with India’s new face in space!