Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History with ISS Mission Under Axiom-4
In a groundbreaking development for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) this May. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the news on X.
Shukla’s mission comes under the Axiom Space Mission 4 (Ax-4) and will involve a 14-day stay aboard the ISS, alongside astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the United States.
India Strengthens Global Ties Through Space Collaboration
This historic space journey is made possible through a collaborative agreement between NASA and ISRO, reflecting the growing international partnerships in human spaceflight. Under this pact, Shubhanshu Shukla was selected for the Ax-4 mission — a part of Axiom Space’s commercial spaceflight program aimed at enabling international astronauts to conduct research and outreach aboard the ISS.
Joining Shukla on this mission will be:
- Slawosz Uznanski from Poland, who will be the country’s second astronaut after a gap of nearly 47 years.
- Tibor Kapu from Hungary, who will also be the second astronaut from his nation since 1980.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla belongs to Lucknow. His academic journey at City Montessori School in Aliganj. His path to space started when he cleared the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam after Class 12.
He graduated from NDA, a premier institution that grooms cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A seasoned fighter and test pilot
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, Group Captain Shukla brings immense experience to the mission. A seasoned fighter and test pilot, he has clocked over 2,000 flying hours.
His flying portfolio includes some of the most advanced and versatile aircraft such as:
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- MiG-21 and MiG-29
- Jaguar
- Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer
- Dornier and An-32 transport aircraft
This extensive flight experience, coupled with his leadership and technical skills, makes him an ideal candidate for spaceflight missions.
40 years ago, when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft in 1984. His iconic response to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi — “Saare Jahan Se Achha” — remains etched in national memory. Now, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission marks a symbolic and strategic return to human spaceflight for India, this time as a part of a modern, collaborative global mission.
What This Means for India’s Space Program
The inclusion of an Indian astronaut in a commercial international mission signals India’s growing credibility and capability in the global space community.
This mission also sets the stage for India’s Gaganyaan mission, its own manned spaceflight program under ISRO, which is expected to launch in the coming years.
Final Thoughts: A Giant Leap for India’s Human Spaceflight Ambitions
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming mission is more than just a journey into space. It is a symbol of India’s rising global stature in science and technology. With international collaboration, advanced training, and a new generation of astronauts, India is poised to enter a bold new era of space exploration.
