During the conversation, PM Modi inquired about the challenges in space. Shukla explained that the environment changes in space, with significant adjustments required by the body. While the body adapts within 4-5 days, difficulties arise upon returning to Earth, including challenges with walking. Shukla, who had cultivated fenugreek and moth beans on the ISS, discussed the challenges of food in space, given the limited space and high costs. He emphasized the importance of maximizing calories and nutrition in minimal space. Shukla, the first Indian to fly to a space station, noted the global excitement for the Gaganyaan mission, with many people from other countries asking about the mission’s launch date.

Shukla stated that the Axiom-4 mission preparations were thorough and that the mission represents a beginning. PM Modi agreed, highlighting this as a first step. Shukla mentioned the government’s strong support for the space program. PM Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance in the space endeavors.

SpaceX announced on X that the weather conditions are 90% favorable for the launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The launch can be viewed live on SpaceX’s X and NASA’s YouTube channel.

Earlier, Axiom Space confirmed the new launch date of June 25. The mission, initially slated for June 11, was postponed to June 19 due to inspection issues and further delayed.

The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary. This mission represents the first time each nation has a presence on the space station and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. The research component includes approximately 60 scientific studies and activities involving 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and European nations. It is set to be one of the most science-focused activities on an Axiom Space mission aboard the ISS.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force Test Pilot and Astronaut from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is a key member of the mission. He was inspired by the 1999 Kargil War and pursued a career in the armed forces, graduating from the National Defence Academy in 2005 with a degree in Computer Science.

Shukla expressed his excitement about piloting the historic Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, he was commissioned into the IAF fighter wing in June 2006. He has logged an impressive 2,000 hours of flight experience across diverse aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

In 2019, he began a year-long training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, Moscow, Russia. On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Shukla as one of the astronauts undergoing intensive training for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

In a YouTube video by the Ax-4 mission, Shukla spoke of his joy about the opportunity to go to space. He shared that he was informed about his selection approximately a week before the Axiom mission. He was extremely happy as this was a real chance to fly to space. Shukla considers his fellow crew members to be exceptional. He believes that he will have these crew members for this flight and they will be friends for life.

Shukla reflected on his training as an amazing journey. Through this mission, Shukla aims to inspire a generation in India and to spark curiosity about scientific endeavors among children. For him, even changing one life through his story would be a huge success.

Ax-4 Mission Commander, Peggy Whitson, praised Shukla’s operational abilities, highlighting his smartness in spacecraft technologies.

Shambhu Shukla expressed his happiness, attributing the success to divine blessings. Asha Shukla, his mother, shared her emotional state, stating that the family was overjoyed. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, watching the launch in Delhi, highlighted the significance of the event for India’s Human Space Programme, calling it a step towards ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Earlier, Shukla’s father had expressed his pride, stating that his son’s achievement brings honor not only to Lucknow but also to the nation. He expressed blessings and prayers for the mission’s success and acknowledged the pride they felt. The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking a historic first for each nation’s mission to the space station and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. The mission involves around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, making it one of the most research-focused missions on an Axiom Space mission aboard the ISS to date.