After multiple delays, the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others lifted off at 12:01 pm on Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
To mark their launch, the Ax-4 crew shared a carefully curated Launch Day Playlist, each track offering a glimpse into the personal motivations, cultural roots, and emotional aspirations tied to their journey.
Peggy Whitson – “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
A fitting anthem for the seasoned astronaut, “Thunder” symbolizes defiance against odds and embracing destiny with electrifying energy. As the first woman to command a private space mission, Whitson continues to challenge gravity—literally and metaphorically.
Shubhanshu Shukla – “Yun Hi Chala Chal” by A.R. Rahman, Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Kailash Kher, & Javed Akhtar
This soulful Indian track from Swades speaks of purpose, movement, and spiritual momentum—mirroring Shukla’s own journey from ISRO to the stars. “Keep moving ahead,” the lyrics suggest—a perfect reflection of the space mission’s pioneering spirit.
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – “Supermoce” by Igo, Mrozu, & Vito Bambino
This Polish title, translating to “Superpowers,” resonates with Uznański’s role as a mission specialist representing European excellence in science. The track celebrates inner strength and imagination—key ingredients in the rigors of space travel.
Tibor Kapu – “Búvóhely” by Quimby, Gábor Barbinek, Tamás Meleg, & Gábor Subicz
A Hungarian ballad evoking themes of refuge and reflection, “Búvóhely” (meaning “Hiding Place”) adds emotional depth to the playlist. For Kapu, the International Space Station may be just that—a sanctuary for peace, research, and human connection.
With these tracks echoing in their minds, the Ax-4 crew embarks not just on a scientific voyage, but a deeply human one—blending heritage, harmony, and heroism in orbit.
The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 4.30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, as per NASA.
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is commanding the commercial mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is serving as pilot.
To mark their launch, the Ax-4 crew shared a carefully curated Launch Day Playlist, each track offering a glimpse into the personal motivations, cultural roots, and emotional aspirations tied to their journey.
Pass the Aux! The #Ax4 crew share their launch-day playlist. pic.twitter.com/YwCp0Is6cF
— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 25, 2025
Peggy Whitson – “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
A fitting anthem for the seasoned astronaut, “Thunder” symbolizes defiance against odds and embracing destiny with electrifying energy. As the first woman to command a private space mission, Whitson continues to challenge gravity—literally and metaphorically.
Shubhanshu Shukla – “Yun Hi Chala Chal” by A.R. Rahman, Udit Narayan, Hariharan, Kailash Kher, & Javed Akhtar
This soulful Indian track from Swades speaks of purpose, movement, and spiritual momentum—mirroring Shukla’s own journey from ISRO to the stars. “Keep moving ahead,” the lyrics suggest—a perfect reflection of the space mission’s pioneering spirit.
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – “Supermoce” by Igo, Mrozu, & Vito Bambino
This Polish title, translating to “Superpowers,” resonates with Uznański’s role as a mission specialist representing European excellence in science. The track celebrates inner strength and imagination—key ingredients in the rigors of space travel.
Tibor Kapu – “Búvóhely” by Quimby, Gábor Barbinek, Tamás Meleg, & Gábor Subicz
A Hungarian ballad evoking themes of refuge and reflection, “Búvóhely” (meaning “Hiding Place”) adds emotional depth to the playlist. For Kapu, the International Space Station may be just that—a sanctuary for peace, research, and human connection.
With these tracks echoing in their minds, the Ax-4 crew embarks not just on a scientific voyage, but a deeply human one—blending heritage, harmony, and heroism in orbit.
The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 4.30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, as per NASA.
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is commanding the commercial mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is serving as pilot.
You may also like
CDSL, IIM Mumbai join hands to use data analytics for financial market insights
PLI scheme: Piyush Goyal calls for export competitiveness in key sectors
BREAKING: Love Island slapped with Ofcom complaints over bitter bullying row
Martin Lewis' MSE reveals if Premium Bonds are still 'worth it' after update
ITV's Good Morning Britain flooded with 318 complaints to Ofcom over Israel map error
