Watch SpaceX launch the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS on June 10
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Shubhanshu Shukla Explains Purpose Of His Historic Mission To Space; ‘To Inspire Entire Generation’
Shubhanshu Shukla is the pilot for Axiom Space’s fourth private mission Ax-4. He will become the first Indian to step inside the space station. The mission is scheduled to lift off on June 10 at 5:52 pm IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He was selected as one of the four astronauts for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program in 2020. He has over 15 years of experience as a fighter pilot and is a member of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Group Captain team. He calls his team “exceptional” and says that the Ax- 4 crew members will be his “friends for life” The mission will last for two weeks and will be the first of its kind for India.
Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 10. He will liftoff with three others at 5:52 pm IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the mission that will last two weeks. Serving as the pilot for Axiom Space’s fourth private mission Ax-4, Shukla will become the first Indian to step inside the space station.
Ahead of the highly anticipated mission, Axiom Space released an introductory video featuring Shukla who brings vast experience as a fighter pilot. In the video, Shukla reflects on his journey which started with the IAF, where he has over 15 years of experience. He was selected as one of the four astronauts for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program in 2020.
“This journey that I’m on, it has been a long one for me. Started out somewhere, I didn’t know that this is the path it is going to finally take,” he says in the video. “A week before we arrived at Axiom was the time I came to know that I’ll be going [to space].” He travelled to the US along with his Gaganyaan crewmate Prasanth B. Nair who trained as a backup astronaut.
ALSO SEE: Shubhanshu Shukla Set To Launch To International Space Station On June 10; How To Watch Live In India
The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/MEhuTdeuDf — SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 8, 2025
Shukla’s teammates seem impressed by his technological knowledge and expertise. Mission specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary says, “The knowledge that he possesses, he could be 130 years old.”
Mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson says having Shukla as the Ax-4 pilot “is great.”
🚀 ISRO-NASA Mission to ISS 🇮🇳🇺🇸
India heads to the International Space Station!
Join the YouTube LIVE on June 10, 3:45 PM IST — liftoff at 5:52 PM!
📺 Watch here:https://t.co/2uFZNEzyax#BharatToISS #FutureOfScience #STEMInSpace #IndiaTowardsGaganyaan #DeshKiUdaan… — ISRO (@isro) June 9, 2025
“He already has that operational savvy and he’s just wicked smart when it comes to spacecraft technologies,” Whitson said. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, also a mission specialist, was amazed at Shukla’s learning ability. “He is very focussed. He will go one-two-three-four in record time. I don’t even know how he gets there so fast,” said Sławosz.
Shukla calls his team “exceptional” and says that the Ax-4 crew members will be his “friends for life.”
Talking about the purpose of Ax-4, Shukla said – “It is my sincere endeavour to inspire entire generation back home. I want to use the opportunity to ignite curiosity among kids. If my story is able to change one life, it would be a huge success for me.”
ALSO SEE: Shubhanshu Shukla To Grow Crops For ISRO On Space Station, Study Bacteria And More
(Image: Axiom Space)
Axiom-4 mission: How to watch livestream of crewed SpaceX rocket launch from Florida
The launch could happen as early as 8:22 a.m. ET Tuesday, June 10, from NASA’s historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The Ax-4 crew are due to ride a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to orbit, which will get off the ground with the assistance of the company’s two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. There will also be coverage of the SpaceX Dragon docking at the International Space Station on Wednesday, June 11. Both SpaceX and Axiom Space will provide a webcast, with coverage beginning about two hours before the launch. The crew will conduct about 60 scientific experiments during their time aboard the space station. The mission is the latest in a series of human spaceflights in partnership with both NASA and SpaceX. The most recent, Axiom Mission 3, took place in January 2024, with the Axiom missions aimed at advancing SpaceX’s goals of building a space station that will attach to the ISS before its planned 2030 retirement.
Those watching from home will have plenty of options to catch a livestream of the spaceflight, including from both NASA and SpaceX.
There will also be coverage of the SpaceX Dragon docking at the International Space Station.
The latest SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to blast off from Florida’s Space Coast will be carrying a crew of four international astronauts preparing for a two-week mission in orbit.
Following liftoff and a brief voyage through outer space, the astronauts selected for a private mission known as Axiom Mission 4 are due to spend about 14 days at the International Space Station. There, they will conduct dozens of science experiments before departing for a water landing off the coast of California.
The mission, known as Ax-4, is the latest in a series of human spaceflights in partnership with both NASA and SpaceX.
What also makes Ax-4 notable is that it is the first time in more than 40 years that India, Poland and Hungary have had a crew member from their respective nations on a government-sponsored spaceflight. The upcoming spaceflight is also each nation’s first-ever mission to the space station.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming launch, as well as how to watch a livestream of the SpaceX rocket get off the ground from Cape Canaveral, Florida:
Axiom Mission 4: Ax-4 astronauts prepare to launch for space station on SpaceX Dragon
When is the Axiom 4 launch?
The launch could happen as early as 8:22 a.m. ET Tuesday, June 10, from NASA’s historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.
The Ax-4 crew are due to ride a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to orbit, which will get off the ground with the assistance of the company’s two-stage Falcon 9 rocket.
Once the Dragon separates from the Falcon 9 following liftoff, the capsule will continue its independent journey to the orbital outpost, where it is expected to dock by 12:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, June 11, according to NASA.
How to watch NASA, SpaceX livestream of launch
Those watching from home will have plenty of options to catch a livestream of the spaceflight.
Both SpaceX and Axiom Space will provide a webcast, with coverage beginning about two hours before the launch. SpaceX’s webcast will be available on its website here, and on social media site X.
NASA will join coverage of the launch at 7:25 a.m. ET on its NASA+ streaming service.
How to watch coverage of docking at International Space Station
Live coverage will resume around 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, June 11 as the Dragon carrying the crew approaches the International Space Station.
Once the spacecraft docks around 12:30 p.m. ET, coverage will continue as the hatches between the spacecraft and the Harmony module where it will dock open to allow the crew to enter the space station.
What is the Axiom 4 mission?
The crew members are due to undertake about 60 scientific experiments during their time aboard the International Space Station. The research was developed specifically to take place in microgravity on behalf of organizations around the world, according to Axiom Space.
The Axiom missions are also aimed at advancing the company’s goals of building a space station that will attach to the ISS before its planned 2030 retirement. The Axiom missions began in 2022, with the most recent, Axiom Mission 3, taking place in January 2024.
Who is the crew of Axiom 4?
Here’s a look at the four international astronauts crewing Ax-4:
Commander Peggy Whitson , a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space who previously commanded Ax-2
, a former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space who previously commanded Ax-2 Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla , an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
, an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski , a scientist and engineer from Poland who is part of the European Space Agency’s reserve astronaut class
, a scientist and engineer from Poland who is part of the European Space Agency’s reserve astronaut class Mission specialist Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer from Hungary
Contributing: Brooke Edwards, USA TODAY Network
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
Experience the Thrill of SpaceX’s Ax-4 Private Astronaut Mission to ISS on June 10!
SpaceX is set to launch the Ax-4 crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 10, 2025. The mission will see four astronauts embark on a journey that highlights international collaboration in space exploration. This launch is particularly significant as it features a diverse crew, including the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to live aboard the ISS. Crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments, a record for Axiom Space.
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SpaceX is set to launch the Ax-4 crew to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 10, 2025, marking another milestone in commercial space travel. The mission will see four astronauts embark on a journey that highlights international collaboration in space exploration.
6 Key Takeaways SpaceX launches Ax-4 crew to ISS
Liftoff scheduled for June 10, 8:22 a.m. EDT
Commander Peggy Whitson leads the mission
First astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary
Crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments
Splashdown in Pacific Ocean to conclude mission
Scheduled for 8:22 a.m. EDT, the Ax-4 mission will lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch is particularly significant as it features a diverse crew, including the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to live aboard the ISS.
Fast Answer: SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission will launch four astronauts to the ISS, enhancing global cooperation in space exploration and scientific research.
The Ax-4 mission raises important questions about the future of international partnerships in space. How can nations collaborate more effectively in this new era of space exploration? This mission showcases the potential for scientific advancement through global teamwork.
First astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to visit the ISS.
Mission will conduct 60 scientific experiments, a record for Axiom Space.
Led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut with 675 days in space.
The Ax-4 mission underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in space, paving the way for future collaborative efforts.
As we look forward to the launch, it’s clear that the Ax-4 mission will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations to explore the cosmos. Stay tuned for updates!
Watch SpaceX launch the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS on June 10
SpaceX will launch four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on the private Ax-4 mission Tuesday morning (June 10) You can watch the launch live here at Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX and Axiom Space, the Houston-based company that organized the mission.Ax-4 is led by commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who is currently Axiom’s director of human spaceflight. The mission’s other three crewmembers are pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India; Polish mission specialist Sławosz Uznański; and mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
SpaceX will launch four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on the private Ax-4 mission Tuesday morning (June 10), and you can watch the action live.
Ax-4 is scheduled to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday at 8:22 a.m. EDT (1222 GMT).
You can watch the launch live here at Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX and Axiom Space, the Houston-based company that organized the mission. The webcast will be at the top of this story, as well as on Space.com’s homepage, when the time comes.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Ax-3 private astronaut mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 18, 2024. (Image credit: NASA/Chris Swanson)
As the mission’s name suggests, Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s fourth crewed trip to the ISS. Its astronauts will launch aboard a brand-new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which will earn its wings on the flight.
Ax-4 is led by commander Peggy Whitson , a former NASA astronaut who is currently Axiom’s director of human spaceflight. Whitson has spent 675 days in space to date, more than any other American.
The mission’s other three crewmembers are pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India; Polish mission specialist Sławosz Uznański of the European Space Agency; and mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
These latter three will make history on Ax-4, becoming the first people from their respective countries to live on board the ISS.
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The crew of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. From left to right: pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, commander Peggy Whitson, mission specialist Sławosz Uznański and mission specialist Tibor Kapu. (Image credit: Axiom Space)
If Ax-4 launches on time Tuesday, the mission will arrive at the ISS on Wednesday (June 11) at around 12:30 p.m. EDT (1630 GMT).
The Ax-4 astronauts will spend about two weeks living and working on the orbiting lab. They’ll conduct 60 scientific experiments during that time — more than any previous Axiom Space mission has performed.
The mission will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Ax-4’s return date has not yet been set; it will depend on weather conditions in the splashdown zone.
ISRO invites nation to watch AX-4 launch as Shubhanshu Shukla to become 2nd Indian to ISS after Rakesh Sharma
India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make Historic Space Journey on Ax-4 Mission (Axiom Space) The 39-year-old IAF officer will pilot Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission. He will be joined by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission commander. The launch will be livestreamed on YouTube on June 10 from 3:45 pm IST. It will be the second government-sponsored space mission for all three nations since the 1980s. This is the first time any of them will fly aboard the ISS. The mission will carry him, along with ESA’s Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, to the space station.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s long journey to the stars is finally taking flight. From reading about Rakesh Sharma as a boy to now preparing for lift-off, the 39-year-old IAF officer will pilot Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission, Ax-4, heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla will lift off aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 8:22 am IST on June 10. This marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He will be joined by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission commander.
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‘A journey larger than myself’
In a video shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed pride in representing India. He said he grew up inspired by Rakesh Sharma and felt lucky to live his dream of flying. He called the Ax-4 crew “friends for life” and said he hopes his story sparks curiosity in children back home.
“This journey started long ago. I never imagined it would lead here,” Shukla said. “If my story inspires even one child, it’s a success.”
The mission will carry him, along with ESA’s Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, to the space station. It will be the second government-sponsored space mission for all three nations since the 1980s. This is the first time any of them will fly aboard the ISS.
Shukla praised by international crew
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The Ax-4 mission, according to Axiom Space, “realises the return” to space for these three countries. Shukla, a fighter pilot for 15 years, was praised by his fellow astronauts for his technical skills and sharp focus.
Whitson said Shukla’s operational experience made him an ideal pilot for the Dragon capsule. Kapu joked, “Shuk’s wisdom, the knowledge he possesses, he could be 130 years old.” Uznanski added, “He’s focused and unbelievably fast. I don’t know how.”
In his message, Shukla said, “These are moments when you realise you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
ISRO invites India to watch the launch
ISRO announced that the launch will be livestreamed on YouTube on June 10 from 3:45 pm IST. The organisation also celebrated Shukla’s milestone moment, calling it a major step in India’s space collaboration with NASA.
ISRO-NASA Mission to ISS India heads to the International Space Station! Join the YouTube LIVE on June 10, 3:45 PM IST liftoff at 5:52 PM! Watch here:https://t.co/2uFZNEzyax#BharatToISS #FutureOfScience #STEMInSpace #IndiaTowardsGaganyaan #DeshKiUdaan ISRO (@isro) June 9, 2025
The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed their final launch-day rehearsals on June 8.
Shukla will serve as mission pilot on a journey that will carry not just science and technology, but also hope and pride from India to the stars.