First Indian astronaut to visit International Space Station in May

India's space sector's preparation for ambitious slate of missions

IH News Desk

NATIONAL, April 18, 2025: India is set to embark on an international space mission next month, marking the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Indian astronaut to travel to space in over four decades. The announcement comes amid India's space sector's preparation for an ambitious slate of missions. 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is prepared to fly to the ISS as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission. Shukla's mission, scheduled for May 2025, marks a milestone in India's expanding international space collaborations. 

He is among the top contenders for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first indigenous crewed orbital flight. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is expected to provide critical hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency preparedness. His mission stands out for its strategic importance, focusing on operational readiness and global integration. 

ISRO has updated Union Minister of Space Science, Dr Jitendra Singh, on several key developments since January 2025, including the public release of data from the Aditya L1 solar mission, successful demonstration of docking and undocking technologies, testing of the highest-thrust liquid engine developed in India, and the historic 100th launch (GSLV-F15) from Sriharikota.

(Image of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla)

https://indigenousherald.com/