India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make Historic Space Journey on Ax-4 Mission (Axiom Space) Watching an Indian astronaut head for space again brings pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS journey under Axiom-4 marks a shift. This mission connects past achievements to India’s future plans. From Rakesh Sharma to Real-Time Relevance Shukla becomes the second Indian in space after Sharma. Sharma’s 1984 mission was symbolic but stood alone. At that time, India lacked the support structure to build on it. Now, India has ISRO with proven abilities and a clear direction. Story continues below Advertisement Remove Ad This mission links directly to India’s Gaganyaan plans. Shukla’s role as Axiom-4’s pilot brings valuable experience. The spacecraft’s course to the ISS is complex and dynamic. Pilots must act fast and make timely decisions in flight. This exposure will prepare India’s astronauts for upcoming missions. Key Role in Future Human Spaceflight Gaganyaan aims to send Indians to space soon. But it’s a huge technical challenge for any space agency. Human missions involve safety layers beyond those in robotic flights. Shukla’s training and time aboard Axiom-4 will help reduce these risks, according to the Indian Express. He’ll also be the first Indian aboard the International Space Station. There, he’ll observe how the station functions day-to-day. This will offer insight useful for India’s own future space station. Related stories