India, Poland, and Hungary launch their first astronauts to the ISS

On June 10, 2025, the historic Axiom Mission 4 was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant milestone for the space programs of India, Poland, and Hungary. The private mission, organized by Axiom Space, aimed to send four astronauts into Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and a Dragon capsule. The astronauts included Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, along with Peggy Whitson, a seasoned astronaut commanding the mission. This mission reflects the increasing involvement of various nations in space exploration, expanding the collaboration between countries beyond just governmental initiatives. Aboard the International Space Station, the crew will conduct around 60 crucial microgravity research experiments during their 14-day stay. The mission is seen as a stop-gap for India’s space ambitions, particularly the planned Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027. Each of these nations is looking to enhance their presence in the global space community, with plans for future missions and partnerships being outlined. The successful launch and mission are expected to invigorate national pride and inspire future generations in these countries, as they forge their paths in the increasingly competitive arena of space exploration.