Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He will be part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for launch in the spring of 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This mission marks a significant milestone for India in human spaceflight.
Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his schooling at City Montessori School before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA), graduating in 2005. His early academic and military training laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in June 2006, Shukla has amassed over 2,000 flight hours on multiple aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. His expertise as a test pilot and leadership skills led to his promotion to Group Captain in March 2024.
Astronaut Selection and Training
In 2019, Shukla was chosen as one of four astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. He underwent intensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, preparing him for the rigors of spaceflight.
Axiom Mission 4
As the pilot for Ax-4, Shukla will join a crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The mission will also include astronauts from Poland and Hungary, representing a collaborative international effort. During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct scientific experiments, participate in outreach programs, and share cultural elements from India. Notably, he has expressed his desire to perform yoga poses in microgravity, symbolizing India’s cultural heritage.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is more than a personal achievement; it is a reflection of India’s expanding role in global space exploration. His mission represents the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians and underscores the nation’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight.
