Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, has been selected to pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA announced the news on January 30, 2025, making Shukla the first Indian astronaut on a private mission to the ISS.
Scheduled for spring 2025, the 14-day mission will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will focus on scientific experiments, outreach programs, and commercial activities in space, as part of a partnership between NASA and ISRO.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Background
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shukla graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2005 and joined the IAF in 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flying experience, he has flown a variety of aircraft, including the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI. He was selected for the IAF’s astronaut program in 2019 and underwent training in Russia and India.
In 2024, Shukla was promoted to Group Captain and was named the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, becoming the second Indian astronaut to go to space after Rakesh Sharma.
Axiom Mission 4
The mission will be launched on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and will focus on scientific research and commercial projects during the crew's time on the ISS. It highlights the growing collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
Personal Life
Shukla, the youngest of three siblings, is married to Kamna Shubha Shukla, a dentist.
Conclusion
Shubhanshu Shukla’s selection to pilot Axiom-4 marks a significant milestone for India in space exploration. His journey to the ISS will inspire future generations of Indian astronauts.