The city’s space enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat! The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is all set to host an exciting interactive session and live screening of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, 2025, from 1 PM to 2.30 PM.
This mission is more than just another lift-off — it marks a historic return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after over 40 years. The spotlight shines bright on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished Indian Air Force pilot and one of ISRO’s handpicked astronauts for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, who will pilot this commercial mission. The mission is commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with European astronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary as mission specialists.
BITM’s special event promises a blend of learning and thrill for students and space lovers alike. The interactive session will feature:
The main attraction will, of course, be the live screening of the Axiom Mission 4 launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida — a moment that celebrates human ambition, science, and international unity.
This initiative not only commemorates a pivotal moment in India’s space journey but also inspires young minds to dream beyond the sky. Space enthusiasts in Kolkata — mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making.