In May 2025, India will etch a shining new chapter in its space story as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian citizen to journey to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic mission, named Ax-4, is more than a space voyage—it’s a bold symbol of India’s dreams, hard work, and growing might in the global space race. Following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight, Shukla’s mission fills every Indian with pride, showing our nation is ready to reach the stars.

India’s space journey began humbly with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. From launching satellites to landing Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole in 2023, ISRO has turned the impossible into reality. Yet, sending humans to space remains a special dream. In 1984, Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force pilot, made history by spending nearly eight days aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station, as the ISS did not exist then—it was first launched in 1998. His words, “Saare jahan se accha,” spoken from orbit, still echo in our hearts. Now, Shukla, another brave Air Force pilot, is set to blaze a new trail as the first Indian citizen to visit the ISS.

The Ax-4 mission, set to launch no earlier than May 29, 2025, from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, is a global team effort. Led by Axiom Space, a private company, and supported by NASA and SpaceX, it shows how countries and companies can unite in space. Shukla will join a diverse crew, including Peggy Whitson from the USA, Sławosz Uznański from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. As the pilot of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Shukla will spend about two weeks on the ISS, gaining skills vital for India’s future missions. This experience will be a cornerstone for Gaganyaan, India’s first homegrown crewed mission, planned for after 2025.

Why does this mission matter? It marks India’s return to human spaceflight after a long gap and makes Shukla the first Indian citizen to reach the ISS, a milestone in our space journey. It’s also a giant leap for Gaganyaan, which will send three Indian astronauts into orbit for three days. Shukla’s time on the ISS will teach him how to work in zero gravity and handle emergencies, ensuring Gaganyaan is safer and stronger. Moreover, Ax-4 proves India’s ability to team up with global leaders like NASA and SpaceX, showing we’re not just dreamers but doers in the space world.

ISRO’s 2025 schedule is buzzing, and Ax-4 is just one part of a thrilling lineup. Other missions include PSLV-C61, launching a satellite to capture detailed Earth images for farming and disaster relief. The Test Vehicle-D2 will test safety systems for Gaganyaan, ensuring our astronauts return home safely. NISAR, a NASA-ISRO project, will study climate change and natural disasters, while LVM3-M5 will launch satellites for a US company. These efforts showcase ISRO’s range—from human spaceflight to science and business—making India a space powerhouse.

India’s vision stretches far beyond 2025. By 2030, we aim to have our own space station, and by 2040, we plan to send astronauts to the Moon. These goals are not just about science; they’re about growth. Space technology improves weather forecasts, internet access, and farming, boosting our economy and lives. Missions like NISAR will help tackle climate challenges, while commercial projects like LVM3-M5 show how private firms can join hands with ISRO to cut costs and spark innovation.

Shukla’s mission is also about pride. When he boards the Crew Dragon, he’ll carry the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. His journey as the first Indian citizen to visit the ISS will inspire young minds to dream big, just as Sharma’s did decades ago. It’s a reminder that India, once seen as a developing nation, is now a leader in fields like space. Our partnerships with Axiom Space, NASA, and others show the world trusts India’s skills and vision.

As we count down to May 2025, let’s celebrate this moment. Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight to the ISS is not just a mission—it’s a message. It tells us no dream is too big, no star too far. With ISRO’s hard work, India is ready to shine in the cosmos. So, let’s look up, cheer loudly, and dream of the day Indian astronauts walk on the Moon. The sky is no longer the limit; it’s just the beginning.