Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s First ISS-Docking Astronaut on Axiom‑4

Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s Trailblazer in Space Exploration

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shubhanshu Shukla was inspired by the 1999 Kargil War to serve his nation. He joined the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 after earning a degree in Computer Science and completing pilot training. With over 2,000 flight hours on various aircraft and qualifications as a Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, Shukla was selected in 2019 for India’s human spaceflight program.

Shukla trained in Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and later at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, earning a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from IISc. In August 2024, he was named the pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.

Launched on June 25, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, Ax‑4 included international crew members from the USA, Poland, and Hungary. The 14-day mission focused on over 60 scientific experiments in biology, AI, and space health, with India-led research on microalgae for long-duration missions. Shukla also promoted Indian culture aboard the ISS, narrating folk tales and engaging in live interactions with students.

Despite initial launch delays due to technical issues, the mission was a resounding success, sparking national pride and bolstering India’s space ambitions. Shukla’s contribution provides ISRO with critical insights for the upcoming Gaganyaan-4 mission, expected in 2026–27.

Group Captain Shukla’s pioneering role in Ax‑4 has not only advanced India’s space capabilities but also symbolized the nation’s growing influence in international space collaboration — blending science, service, and culture on a global stage.

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