Indian Ax-4 astronaut Shubhanshu ‘Shux’ Shukla, a proud member of the international crew aboard Axiom Mission 4, marked a poignant milestone on July 2—his first whole week in orbit around Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The day offered him something rare and profoundly human—a moment to step back from his intense research duties and reconnect with the people who mattered most: his family. It was a breath of Earth in the stillness of space, a reminder that no distance is too vast for love to travel.
The Ax-4 team, which includes legendary astronaut Commander Peggy Whitson, alongside Shux, and mission specialists Slawosz ‘Suave’ Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, now stands seven days into their celestial expedition. Their mission is not only scientific but also symbolic—uniting diverse cultures and disciplines in the pursuit of knowledge that extends beyond our world.
By the time the sun set on July 2—though aboard the ISS, they see it rise and fall 16 times a day—the crew had already completed a breathtaking 113 orbits around our planet. That amounts to over 2.9 million miles traveled since docking on June 26—a distance nearly 12 times the span between Earth and the Moon. Numbers that once belonged to science fiction are now part of Shubhanshu’s daily reality—a testament to how far human determination can go when fueled by dreams.
It has been a week since Shubhanshu, India’s shining star in the world of space exploration, embarked on the historic Axiom 4 Mission to the International Space Station (ISS). For Shubhanshu, the journey is more than a scientific expedition; it is a profoundly human story of dreams, determination, and the longing for connection.
As he floated 400 kilometers above Earth, Shubhanshu finally paused from his rigorous schedule to do something profoundly simple yet extraordinarily moving: he spoke to his family. It was his first off-duty day since the mission began, and his brief conversation with his parents and younger sister brought tears to everyone on the call, including mission controllers.
AXIOM MISSION 4: A NEW DAWN FOR HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT
It’s more than a mission—it’s a moment etched in the shared history of three nations. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) carries the hopes of India, Poland, and Hungary, marking a heartfelt return to human spaceflight after nearly 40 years. For the first time ever, astronauts from all three countries are not just watching from below, but living, breathing, and contributing science aboard the International Space Station. It’s a reminder that space isn’t the domain of the few anymore. It belongs to all who dare to dream.
The four-member Ax-4 crew isn’t just circling the Earth—they’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With over 60 experiments packed into their two-week odyssey, they’re exploring everything from human biology in microgravity to materials science and climate observation. Each experiment echoes a more profound truth: science knows no borders, and the future of space exploration will be written by collaboration, not competition.
In the first week alone, they’ve seen more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets, each one painting the planet below with new colors and quiet awe. But they haven’t just witnessed beauty—they’ve made progress. And now, after a brief day of stillness, the crew stands ready to dive back into their whirlwind of research and global outreach.
The journey began on June 25, at high noon IST, as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ignited the Florida sky at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Carried in the belly of the Dragon spacecraft, the crew soared above Earth’s atmosphere and, by 4:05 PM IST on June 26, gently docked with the station, arriving ahead of schedule. The capsule latched perfectly onto the space-facing port of the ISS’s Harmony module, like the meeting of two old friends in orbit.
It was more than a technical success. It was the beginning of a story that will be remembered—not just in mission logs, but in hearts across the globe.
ONE WEEK IN MICROGRAVITY: TRIUMPHS AND TRIALS
Shubhanshu’s first week on the ISS has been packed with critical experiments. As part of the Axiom 4 Mission, he is leading research on the impact of microgravity on cardiovascular health, a project that could revolutionize long-term human spaceflight.
“The body behaves differently up here,” Shubhanshu shared during a live press briefing. “Your muscles shrink, fluids shift, and even your heartbeat changes. We’re learning how to protect future astronauts who may travel to Mars or beyond.”
His dedication is palpable, but so are the challenges he faces. Shubhanshu has had to adapt quickly to the disorienting sensation of weightlessness. Even routine tasks like eating, sleeping, and maintaining hygiene become complicated in space. “Sometimes I wake up and forget which way is up,” he laughed. “But then I look out the window, and I see Earth—and suddenly, everything makes sense again.”
A LONG-AWAITED CONNECTION: SPEAKING WITH FAMILY
After seven intense days, Shubhanshu finally had a moment to reach out to his loved ones. His parents, who have supported him through years of tireless study and rigorous astronaut training, had waited anxiously for this call.
When his mother heard his voice crackling through the satellite link, she couldn’t hold back her tears. “Beta, how are you? Are you eating properly?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mother’s worry that distance could not diminish.
His younger sister, Meera, jumped in with excitement, “Bhaiya, you’re a real astronaut now! Are you floating right now? Can you see India?”
Shubhanshu, visibly emotional, reassured them. “I can see the whole world, Meera. And every time I pass over India, I wave to you all.”
For Shubhanshu, this moment was a grounding reminder of why he pursued space exploration in the first place: to bridge the vastness between dreams and reality, and to carry the warmth of home to the cold expanse of space.
THE JOURNEY TO THE STARS: A STORY OF RESILIENCE
Shubhanshu’s path to the ISS was far from easy. Born in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, he grew up with limited access to scientific resources. His fascination with the night sky began as a child, lying on the terrace, tracing constellations with his fingers.
His parents recall how he would save money to buy second-hand science books. “Even then, he never complained,” his father said. “He just kept going, quietly working toward something bigger than all of us.”
Years of relentless hard work eventually led him to the Indian Institute of Science, followed by specialized training with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Axiom Space. Shubhanshu’s selection for the Axiom 4 Mission marked a turning point—not just for him, but for countless young dreamers back home.
LIFE ABOARD THE ISS: A DANCE IN ZERO GRAVITY
Life on the ISS is as fascinating as it is challenging. Shubhanshu spends his days conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and participating in international collaborations. But beyond the science, he marvels at the simple wonders of space.
“Watching the sun rise sixteen times a day is magical,” he said in a recorded message. “It reminds me that time is different up here, but human emotions—love, longing, hope—they remain the same.”
He also shared playful stories of food packets floating away and the camaraderie among astronauts as they navigate the quirks of life in microgravity.
“Shubhanshu’s first week on the ISS has been packed with critical experiments. As part of the Axiom 4 Mission, he is leading research on the impact of microgravity on cardiovascular health, a project that could revolutionize long-term human spaceflight”
A NATION’S PRIDE: MESSAGES FROM HOME
Back on Earth, Shubhanshu’s story has inspired millions. Social media is flooded with messages of pride and admiration. Schools across India have begun to incorporate his journey into classroom discussions, sparking fresh curiosity among students about space science.
Prime Ministerial spokespersons and ISRO officials publicly commended his dedication. “Shubhanshu Shukla is not just an astronaut; he is a beacon of what determination can achieve,” a senior ISRO director said.
His story resonates with so many because it carries the universal theme of perseverance against the odds—a theme that transcends borders and speaks to the human spirit.
THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF DISTANCE
Although Shubhanshu remains focused on his mission, the emotional weight of distance is something he cannot deny. In a candid video diary entry, he confessed, “There are nights when I look down at Earth and wonder if my family is sleeping peacefully, if they’re looking up at the sky at the same time I am. That thought keeps me grounded, even up here.”
His connection with his fellow astronauts also provides emotional sustenance. “We become each other’s family,” he said. “We laugh, we miss home together, and we remind each other why this mission matters.”
This isn’t just another mission—it’s a moment carved into the legacy of three proud nations. For the first time in history, astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary are working together aboard the International Space Station. Their presence marks more than a journey into orbit—it marks a return to human spaceflight for these countries after more than forty years. It’s a powerful reminder that space is no longer the domain of a few—it now belongs to many, stitched together by shared dreams and global cooperation.
Over just two weeks, the Axiom 4 crew is conducting more than 60 pioneering experiments. Each one is a testament to the power of science when driven by unity and ambition. From biomedical research to advanced materials testing, the mission reflects the growing momentum of commercial and international partnerships in shaping humanity’s future beyond Earth.
Already, the crew has witnessed over a hundred sunrises and sunsets from orbit—each one more breathtaking than the last. But beyond the beauty, their work is lighting a path for the next generation of explorers. And now, after a rare and well-earned day of rest, they’re ready to dive back into their research—renewed, inspired, and connected to something greater than themselves.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE NEXT PHASE OF THE MISSION
The Axiom 4 Mission is far from over. Shubhanshu will continue to work on a series of biological and environmental studies that could shape the future of human space travel. His next key task involves testing new bio-monitoring systems designed to track astronauts’ vital signs in real-time.
“The work we’re doing now will help keep future astronauts safer on longer missions,” he explained. “It’s humbling to know that our efforts today might one day protect someone walking on Mars.”
Shubhanshu’s journey is not just a scientific mission; it is a story of human connection, national pride, and the emotional threads that bind us all, whether we are on Earth or floating in the silent vastness of space. As his mission continues, millions back home will watch, cheer, and wait for the next glimpse of their hero among the stars.
