WATCH: Axiom-4 Docks With ISS; Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First ISRO Astronaut Aboard Station

<p><strong>Axiom-4 Mission:</strong> The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the international crew of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission docked ahead of schedule after its final approach to the International Space Station (ISS), with soft capture &mdash; a few minutes earlier than initially planned.</p>
<p>Taking to X, SpaceX said, “Docking confirmed!”. The docking of Axiom-4 refers to the precise and meticulously coordinated maneuver in which the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, transporting the Axiom-4 crew, successfully attaches to the International Space Station (ISS).</p>
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<p dir=”ltr” lang=”en”>Docking confirmed! <a href=”https://t.co/EK8Acky3V1″>pic.twitter.com/EK8Acky3V1</a></p>
&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href=”https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1938184381040103928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h3><br />Axiom-4 Mission: SpaceX Dragon Docking Maneuver</h3>
<p>Docking with the ISS is a complex, multi-stage process involving a series of meticulously calculated burns and checkpoints. NASA has outlined key stages, beginning with the Approach Initiation from 7 km out, followed by burns like the Phase Burn, Transfer Burn, and Final Coelliptic Burn. As the spacecraft nears the ISS, it enters two critical zones&mdash;the Approach Ellipsoid and the Keep Out Sphere&mdash;invisible perimeters designed to ensure the station&rsquo;s safety in case of any emergency.</p>
<p>The vehicle has already passed Waypoint 0 at 400 meters and is now progressing toward soft capture&mdash;when the spacecraft first latches onto the station&rsquo;s docking port&mdash;before proceeding to hard capture, which seals and secures the link.</p>
<h3>India, Poland, and Hungary Make History</h3>
<p>The mission is particularly historic for India, as it includes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, set to become the first Indian astronaut to board the ISS. His journey marks a landmark moment in India&rsquo;s growing space ambitions and is the result of a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO.</p>
<p>Alongside him are: Peggy Whitson (Mission Commander, former NASA astronaut), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).</p>
<p>The Ax-4 mission is notable for also sending the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory.</p>
<h3>What Next?</h3>
<p>Launched on June 25 at 2:31 a.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center&rsquo;s Launch Complex 39A, the Ax-4 crew will spend approximately two weeks on the ISS for multiple works including scientific experiments and commercial activities.</p>
<h3>Wishes Pour In For Shubhanshu</h3>
<p>Taking to X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said,&nbsp;”Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. &nbsp;Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS &hellip; waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn&hellip;. as the world watches with excitement and expectation.”&nbsp;</p>