Meet India’s Next Space Legend: Shubhanshu Shukla Poised for Historic ISS Journey on Axiom Mission 4
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gears up to break barriers with a groundbreaking International Space Station mission this June.
- Launch Date: June 10, 2025
- Role: First Indian citizen to reach the ISS
- Flight Hours: 2,000+ on 7+ aircraft types
- Mission Duration: Up to 14 days aboard ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is rewriting Indian space history. This June, the 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer is primed to become the first Indian astronaut to ever set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). His ride? The advanced SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket—flying as part of the private Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
Shukla’s journey aboard Ax-4 will put India back on the human spaceflight map more than four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s legendary 1984 trip. This mission, a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO, will not just boost India’s cosmic ambitions—it signals a new age for international space partnerships.
What Makes Axiom Mission 4 a Global Milestone?
Axiom Mission 4 is more than just another trip to orbit. As Shubhanshu Shukla takes the helm as the mission pilot under the command of former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, he’ll share the journey with astronauts from Hungary and Poland—both returning to human spaceflight after over 40 years. The 14-day ISS stint includes leading-edge research, international outreach, and cross-border educational activities.
Ax-4 blasts off on June 10 at 8:22 am ET, with a backup slot on June 11. The world will be watching as history unfolds.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? The Meteoric Rise of India’s Space Pilgrim
Born in Lucknow in October 1985, Shukla’s passion for aviation was ignited early—inspired by the grit and bravery of the 1999 Kargil War. Ambitious and focused, he cracked the UPSC NDA exam solo and entered the National Defence Academy at 18, graduating with a B.Sc. in Computer Science.
His aerospace journey accelerated at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where he completed an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, equipping himself with the skills to master the skies and, soon, outer space.
How Did He Become India’s Next Astronaut?
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006, Shukla soared through the ranks, flying the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and more. By 2024, he’d logged over 2,000 hours and earned stripes as a test pilot and combat leader, celebrated for his ‘wicked smart’ precision in the cockpit.
Selected in 2019 by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine for India’s Human Spaceflight Program, he underwent grueling training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, then advanced modules in Bengaluru.
What Training Does an ISS Astronaut Undergo?
From NASA’s simulators to emergency drills at ESA’s Cologne facility and research inside JAXA’s stellar Kibo module, Shukla’s path to the ISS has been as international as it’s intense. Communication systems, research modules, survival skills—he’s mastered them all, standing out for agility and adaptability.
How Will Ax-4 Shape India’s Space Future?
Ax-4 marks more than Shukla’s personal milestone—it powers India’s broader ambitions. Soon after, he is slated for the Gaganyaan mission in 2026, which aims for India’s maiden manned orbital flight. As Shukla partners with astronauts from around the world, India’s role in space diplomacy soars.
Until now, only Rakesh Sharma (1984) has flown for India, while other space icons of Indian origin like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams reached the stars through NASA. Shukla’s feat officially places the Indian tricolor aboard the ISS for the first time.
Who Is the Man Behind the Helmet?
Away from zero gravity, Shukla’s life stays grounded. Married to Dr. Kamna Shukla, he’s a proud father, the youngest in a family that embodies achievement across fields from education to civil service. He unwinds with exercise and space science reads—and, in a quirky twist, has developed a knack for horoscopes.
Why Does This Mission Matter for Indians Everywhere?
Shukla carries the dreams of more than a billion—fueling not just India’s cosmic ambitions, but inspiring legions of future scientists, pilots, and explorers worldwide. The world is watching, and the countdown has begun!
Ready for launch? Follow India’s journey beyond the skies. Here are your next steps:
- Mark your calendar: June 10, 2025 – history in the making!
- Explore the partners: Browse NASA, SpaceX, ISRO, and Axiom Space for updates.
- Stay tuned: Watch for crew briefings, live coverage, and science reveals from the ISS.
- Inspire and share: Tell friends and classrooms—India’s next space hero is about to make history!
