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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 26, 2025, 19:23:33 IST
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Shubhanshu Shukla docking Space Station Live Updates: Shubhanshu Shukla's parents say 'a proud moment'; ISS welcomes its first astronaut from India
Shubhanshu Shukla docking Space Station Live Updates: Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, is the fourth private space mission to the ISS organised by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is joined by mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The mission also marks a return to space for both Poland and Hungary. The crew is set to spend two weeks aboard the ISS conducting around 60 scientific experiments in areas like plant biology, muscle health, and microbial studies in microgravity.
The Axiom-4 mission is more than just a scientific endeavour; it stands as a powerful symbol of India’s emergence as a global technology leader. It reflects the country’s growing capability to drive space innovation, champion sustainability, and play a pivotal role in international scientific collaborations.
Once aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla will lead groundbreaking research in the field of food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed through a partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, are designed to advance knowledge of sustainable life-support systems, an essential component of future long-duration space missions.
A key focus of the research is to investigate how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich and high-potential food source for deep space exploration. Scientists will assess critical growth parameters and study transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species, comparing their behaviour in space to that on Earth. The results could have far-reaching implications for developing efficient, sustainable food sources for astronauts on future interplanetary missions.
Follow TOI for live updates:
The Axiom-4 mission is more than just a scientific endeavour; it stands as a powerful symbol of India’s emergence as a global technology leader. It reflects the country’s growing capability to drive space innovation, champion sustainability, and play a pivotal role in international scientific collaborations.
Once aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla will lead groundbreaking research in the field of food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed through a partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, are designed to advance knowledge of sustainable life-support systems, an essential component of future long-duration space missions.
A key focus of the research is to investigate how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich and high-potential food source for deep space exploration. Scientists will assess critical growth parameters and study transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species, comparing their behaviour in space to that on Earth. The results could have far-reaching implications for developing efficient, sustainable food sources for astronauts on future interplanetary missions.
Follow TOI for live updates:
19:23 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: 'My expectations have been surpassed by the view and current crew,' says Shubhanshu Shukla
"I feel even better. My expectations have been surpassed by the view and current crew. Was looking forward to this. Crew made me feel welcome and opened their doors for us," says Shubhanshu Shukla.
19:21 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Peggy Whitson gives astronaut pin to Shubhanshu Shukla
Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson gives astronaut pin to Shubhanshu Shukla, who becomes 634th astronaut to travel to space.
18:13 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: With hugs and cheers, Shubhanshu Shukla floats in ISS- first visuals
Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday.
Read full story18:02 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Shubhanshu Shukla steps inside space station; gets welcomed with big hugs
17:09 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: I think they will enter ISS after 60-70 minutes, says Union minister Jitendra Singh
"The docking has taken place. I think they will enter (International Space Station) after 60-70 minutes and then there will be a formal reception for them by scientists who are already there. The entire process is so efficient, and it is being done with so much confidence that the docking happened 30-40 minutes before the scheduled time...You can imagine the efficiency of the process," Union minister Jitendra Singh tells news agency ANI.
17:03 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Former Isro chief calls docking 'historic moment' for India
"It is really a historic moment for India. It is for the second time that our own astronaut is going to space after Rakesh Sharma. Yesterday, I was watching the live feed of their takeoff. After one day of orbiting, the docking operation is now complete. The remaining operation should go without any hassle," former Isro chairman G Madhavan Nair tells news agency PTI.
17:02 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: 'We are very happy and proud of him,' says Shubhanshu Shukla's sister
"We were waiting for days and praying everyday for the successful lift off and docking. This has happened today. We are very happy and proud of him...This is not easy to reach here. It takes a lot of hard work, effort and time. He gave it his all and reached here," Shuchi Mishra tells news agency ANI.
16:53 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: What is hatch opening process, why it's important?
The hatch-opening process is the carefully coordinated procedure that allows astronauts to move from a spacecraft (like SpaceX’s Dragon) into the International Space Station (ISS) after docking.
Once docking is complete, both soft and hard docking, there are still several steps before astronauts can enter the ISS. First, pressure equalisation is carried out. The small vestibule (space) between the two docked vehicles is checked to ensure there are no leaks, and the pressure is gradually equalised with that of the ISS. This process ensures the environment is safe for crew transfer.
Next, both the spacecraft and the ISS side hatches are unlocked and opened, usually by astronauts aboard the station. This is done manually, with checks to confirm the pressure is balanced and the seal is intact. Once the hatch is open, the crew is welcomed aboard the ISS.
The entire hatch-opening process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour after docking, depending on the complexity of checks and how smoothly the procedures go. It is a critical part of ensuring crew safety and mission success.
Once docking is complete, both soft and hard docking, there are still several steps before astronauts can enter the ISS. First, pressure equalisation is carried out. The small vestibule (space) between the two docked vehicles is checked to ensure there are no leaks, and the pressure is gradually equalised with that of the ISS. This process ensures the environment is safe for crew transfer.
Next, both the spacecraft and the ISS side hatches are unlocked and opened, usually by astronauts aboard the station. This is done manually, with checks to confirm the pressure is balanced and the seal is intact. Once the hatch is open, the crew is welcomed aboard the ISS.
The entire hatch-opening process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour after docking, depending on the complexity of checks and how smoothly the procedures go. It is a critical part of ensuring crew safety and mission success.
16:28 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Shubhanshu Shukla becomes first Indian to enter International Space Station
The Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew — callsign Grace — glided silently through space with its nose cone open and docking sensors active, before successfully docking with the International Space Station on Thursday.
The event marked a historic milestone as an Indian entered the orbiting laboratory for the first time. Soft docking occurred at approximately 4.02 PM IST, followed by the completion of the full docking procedure at 4.16 PM IST.
Read full story16:22 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Shubhanshu Shukla's mother gets emotional as she watches live telecast of docking
16:19 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: 'World watches with excitement,' says Union minister Jitendra Singh after Axiom-4 docking
"Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS … waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn…. as the world watches with excitement and expectation," Union minister Jitendra Singh posed on X.
16:16 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla Docking Live: Soft docking of Dragon spacecraft complete. What's next?
Soft docking of the Dragon spacecraft, piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla, has been completed. The hard docking is under way.
Soft docking and hard docking are two phases of the docking process between two spacecraft, such as when a spacecraft docks with the International Space Station (ISS).
It is the process of connecting two spacecraft in orbit, such as a space capsule docking with the International Space Station. During soft docking, the spacecraft makes initial contact and latches loosely onto the docking port using mechanical capture systems.
This phase allows for a flexible connection that absorbs the impact of contact and helps align the docking mechanisms precisely. Once alignment is confirmed and the spacecraft are stabilised, the process moves to hard docking.
In the hard-docking phase, stronger latches or motors pull the two spacecraft together to form a rigid, airtight seal. This secure connection enables the transfer of crew, cargo, power, and data between the two vehicles. Both soft and hard docking are essential steps to ensure the safety and functionality of missions involving human transfer in space.
Soft docking and hard docking are two phases of the docking process between two spacecraft, such as when a spacecraft docks with the International Space Station (ISS).
It is the process of connecting two spacecraft in orbit, such as a space capsule docking with the International Space Station. During soft docking, the spacecraft makes initial contact and latches loosely onto the docking port using mechanical capture systems.
This phase allows for a flexible connection that absorbs the impact of contact and helps align the docking mechanisms precisely. Once alignment is confirmed and the spacecraft are stabilised, the process moves to hard docking.
In the hard-docking phase, stronger latches or motors pull the two spacecraft together to form a rigid, airtight seal. This secure connection enables the transfer of crew, cargo, power, and data between the two vehicles. Both soft and hard docking are essential steps to ensure the safety and functionality of missions involving human transfer in space.
16:04 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla arrives at space station as Dragon spacecraft docks at ISS
Axiom-4 mission successfully docked at the International Space Station. The mission has been piloted by India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
16:02 (IST) Jun 26
Why is Axiom-4 mission important for India?
The Axiom-4 mission is a significant milestone for India, marking the country’s return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), the mission symbolises a new chapter in India's space journey.
It provides India with valuable operational experience in crewed space missions, especially as the country prepares for its indigenous human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, scheduled for later this decade. Shukla’s role as pilot of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft allows Indian space agencies to gain firsthand insights into docking procedures, life-support systems, and microgravity conditions, critical knowledge areas for future missions.
The mission also carries scientific importance. Shukla is conducting seven India-sponsored experiments aboard the ISS in fields like plant biology, microalgae cultivation, and human health in space. These studies, designed by Indian institutions with support from Isro, the Department of Biotechnology, and Nasa, aim to advance sustainable life-support systems and better understand human adaptation to space. Such research is essential for long-duration missions and future lunar or planetary exploration.
It provides India with valuable operational experience in crewed space missions, especially as the country prepares for its indigenous human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, scheduled for later this decade. Shukla’s role as pilot of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft allows Indian space agencies to gain firsthand insights into docking procedures, life-support systems, and microgravity conditions, critical knowledge areas for future missions.
The mission also carries scientific importance. Shukla is conducting seven India-sponsored experiments aboard the ISS in fields like plant biology, microalgae cultivation, and human health in space. These studies, designed by Indian institutions with support from Isro, the Department of Biotechnology, and Nasa, aim to advance sustainable life-support systems and better understand human adaptation to space. Such research is essential for long-duration missions and future lunar or planetary exploration.
15:58 (IST) Jun 26
What is docking?
Docking is the process of two spacecraft connecting in orbit, allowing for the transfer of crew, equipment, or cargo. In missions involving the International Space Station (ISS), docking usually refers to a visiting spacecraft, like SpaceX’s Dragon, approaching and securely attaching itself to a designated port on the ISS.
This maneuver requires precise navigation, as the spacecraft must align its docking mechanism with the station while both are orbiting Earth at high speeds (about 28,000 km/h).
Docking can be done manually by astronauts or automatically using onboard systems. Once docked, hatches are opened to allow astronauts to move between the spacecraft and the station. Successful docking is critical for missions involving crew transfer, resupply, or scientific collaboration.
This maneuver requires precise navigation, as the spacecraft must align its docking mechanism with the station while both are orbiting Earth at high speeds (about 28,000 km/h).
Docking can be done manually by astronauts or automatically using onboard systems. Once docked, hatches are opened to allow astronauts to move between the spacecraft and the station. Successful docking is critical for missions involving crew transfer, resupply, or scientific collaboration.
15:57 (IST) Jun 26
Scientist RC Kapoor explains the docking process
"Yesterday, we saw how successfully the launch of the Axiom-4 mission took place, carrying astronauts including Shubhanshu Shukla. Today, the docking has to take place, and that is quite a delicate process. We are very much hoping that the docking takes place successfully. In docking, the two spacecraft are brought into the same orbit," Kapoor tells PTI.
15:54 (IST) Jun 26
'We are waiting for the docking program,' says Shubhanshu Shukla's mother
"It feels great...We are waiting for the docking program...We are excited. We will meet him (CM Yogi Adityanath) in the evening," Asha Shukla, Shubhanshu Shukla's mother, tells news agency ANI.
"We are extremely proud. We have been praying for his success. This is a proud day for us...We will meet him (CM Yogi Adityanath) at 6 pm today," Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, tells ANI.
15:52 (IST) Jun 26
Shubhanshu Shukla's family arrives at his school in Lucknow to watch Axiom-4 docking
15:46 (IST) Jun 26
'I pray for his safe journey,' says Shubhanshu Shukla's sister
Shuchi Mishra, sister of Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, said: "I pray for his safe journey." His family was leaving for his school to witness the successful docking of Axiom4Mission to the International Space Station. (ANI)
15:21 (IST) Jun 26
Axiom-4 crew introduces 'joy' - a zero-gravity indicator
14:40 (IST) Jun 26
Historic moment: India returns to space after 41 years
Shubhanshu Shukla is now officially the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma's 1984 flight. After more than four decades, India has marked its return to the stars, with its first astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
14:39 (IST) Jun 26
Docking soon: Dragon to connect with ISS at 3.48 pm
NASA confirmed that the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Ax-4 crew is set to dock with the ISS’s Harmony module at 7.00 am EDT (4.30 pm) on Thursday. Shukla and his three crewmates from the US, Poland, and Hungary are now preparing for arrival. However, later International Space Station posted on X that docking may take place at around 6.18 am ET (3.48 pm).
14:37 (IST) Jun 26
'This is a collective achievement': Shukla thanks supporters
In a heartfelt message, Shukla said that his journey was not just personal but a result of collective effort. He thanked his family, friends, and all those who supported the mission. He even joked about early discomfort, noting he's now resting well.
14:37 (IST) Jun 26
Earth from above: Ax-4 crew shared breathtaking view
As the Axiom-4 crew flew over Europe, they shared a stunning glimpse of Earth from the Dragon capsule. Shukla, clearly moved by the experience, said he was "enjoying the views, learning like a baby,” highlighting the awe of seeing the planet from space.
14:36 (IST) Jun 26
'Namaskar from Space!' – Shukla sends first message from orbit
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla greeted viewers with a "Namaskar from Space" from aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Speaking from orbit, Shukla described the thrill of liftoff and the surreal silence of space. “When I was sitting in the capsule, the only thought was ‘let’s just go’... and then suddenly, nothing—you were floating,” he said.
Sudhanshu Shukla made history on June 25 by launching aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, lifted off at 12.01 pm ET on Wednesday after several delays.
Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS in nearly four decades, following the path of Rakesh Sharma, who spent eight days in space in 1984 as part of a Soviet mission. He is joined on Ax-4 by mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The mission also marks a symbolic return to space for both Poland and Hungary.
During their two-week stay aboard the ISS, the crew is set to carry out approximately 60 scientific experiments spanning areas such as plant biology, muscle health, and microbial behavior in microgravity.
Ahead of the launch, Shukla shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported his journey. He thanked the Ax-4 mission team, his loved ones, and especially acknowledged the sacrifices made by family and friends.
In a special mention, he credited his partner Kamna Shubha as his unwavering pillar of support. “Without you none of this was possible—but more importantly, none of this would matter,” he wrote. Shukla concluded with a poignant note: “No one travels to space alone,” underscoring the collective effort that propelled him beyond Earth.
Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS in nearly four decades, following the path of Rakesh Sharma, who spent eight days in space in 1984 as part of a Soviet mission. He is joined on Ax-4 by mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The mission also marks a symbolic return to space for both Poland and Hungary.
During their two-week stay aboard the ISS, the crew is set to carry out approximately 60 scientific experiments spanning areas such as plant biology, muscle health, and microbial behavior in microgravity.
Ahead of the launch, Shukla shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported his journey. He thanked the Ax-4 mission team, his loved ones, and especially acknowledged the sacrifices made by family and friends.
In a special mention, he credited his partner Kamna Shubha as his unwavering pillar of support. “Without you none of this was possible—but more importantly, none of this would matter,” he wrote. Shukla concluded with a poignant note: “No one travels to space alone,” underscoring the collective effort that propelled him beyond Earth.
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