Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), marking India’s return to crewed spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet mission. This journey is part of the Ax-4 mission by US-based Axiom Space in partnership with NASA.
SpaceX Dragon Mission from Florida
Shukla, one of four astronauts chosen for India’s Gaganyaan mission, will fly aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The launch, expected in late May or early June 2025, will take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida using the Falcon-9 rocket.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in 1985 in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, Shukla grew up in a time when India had no active space programme. Although inspired by Rakesh Sharma, his dream of becoming an astronaut only took shape after witnessing an air show.
Career in Indian Air Force
Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006. He has logged over 2,000 hours flying aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and MiG-29. In 2019, he was selected for Gaganyaan astronaut training, which he completed in Bengaluru and Russia.
Extensive International Training
Unlike his military background, the Ax-4 mission involves collaborative international training. Shukla is undergoing preparation at various US facilities, covering mission systems, emergency protocols, and zero-gravity exercises. He will join Commander Peggy Whitson and two other crew members on the mission.
Personal Life and Symbolic Goals
Shukla, known by the call sign “Shux,” intends to carry items representing Indian culture and perform yoga aboard the ISS. His family includes his wife, a dentist, their young son, and relatives in Lucknow. He emphasizes fitness and discipline as key parts of his routine.
Part of India’s Future in Space
The 14-day mission on the ISS will include scientific experiments and tech trials. This journey marks a significant step for India’s space ambitions and will contribute to future crewed missions under ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme.
