Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? India’s Trailblazing Astronaut

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian to venture into space. A distinguished Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, Shukla’s journey with the Axiom-4 mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions. 

This article dives into who Shubhanshu Shukla is, his remarkable achievements, and his contributions to India’s space program.

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Early Life and Background

Born in Lucknow, India, Shubhanshu Shukla grew up with dreams that reached beyond the skies. Now 39 years old, he pursued a career as a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, showcasing exceptional skill as a test pilot. His dedication and expertise caught the attention of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), setting the stage for his historic space journey.

Training for Space

In 2019, Shukla began astronaut training after a call from ISRO. He trained for a year in Russia’s Star City and eight months at NASA for the Axiom-4 mission and Gaganyaan. His selection as one of four Gaganyaan astronauts, announced by PM Modi in Feb 2024, cemented his role as a space pioneer.

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The Axiom-4 Mission

On June 25, 2025, Shukla launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as an Axiom-4 mission pilot. He joined Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew docked with the ISS on June 26 for an 18-day, 288-orbit mission covering 7.6 million miles.

Life in Microgravity

Shukla described his first 24 hours in space as “an amazing feeling to be just floating in space,” calling it “a ride!” He experienced unique moments, like receiving a haircut in microgravity from fellow astronaut Nichole Ayers, a memory that stood out as he orbited Earth at 28,000 km/h. From the ISS’s seven-windowed Cupola Module, Shukla marveled at the stunning views of Earth, noting, “India still looks better than the rest of the world.”

Scientific Contributions in Space

During his 18-day stay on the ISS, Shukla completed seven microgravity experiments assigned by ISRO. These included studies on:

• Muscle and Bone Degradation: Investigating myogenesis and skeletal muscle health in zero gravity.

• Tardigrades: Researching Indian strains of these resilient microorganisms.

• Seed Sprouting: Testing the growth of methi and moong seeds in space.

• Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: Exploring their potential as future nutrition sources.

• Crop Resilience: Studying crop seeds under microgravity conditions.

• Radiation Effects: Analyzing radiation impacts on human physiology.

• Voyager Display: Testing an interactive display in zero gravity.

These experiments, part of over 60 studies conducted by the Axiom-4 crew, provided valuable data for advancements in medicine, agriculture, and astronaut health.

Outreach and Inspiration

In 2019, Shukla began astronaut training after a call from ISRO. He trained for a year in Russia’s Star City and eight months at NASA for the Axiom-4 mission and Gaganyaan. His selection as one of four Gaganyaan astronauts, announced by PM Modi in Feb 2024, cemented his role as a space pioneer.

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Return to Earth and Rehabilitation

On July 15, 2025, Shukla returned to Earth with the Axiom-4 crew aboard SpaceX’s Dragon “Grace,” landing off San Diego at 3:01 PM IST. He emerged smiling and in stable condition. Shukla is now in a seven-day rehab program, undergoing health checks and debriefs with Axiom and ISRO teams.

Post-Mission Impact

Shukla’s mission, costing ISRO approximately ₹550 crore, provided critical insights for India’s Gaganyaan program, set for 2027. ISRO’s Mission Operations Team, embedded with NASA and Axiom flight controllers, gained hands-on experience in real-time decision-making, telemetry tracking, and crew health monitoring. 

This collaboration strengthens India’s capabilities for future human spaceflight missions, including the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035.

Significance for India’s Space Program

ISRO sees Shukla’s mission as a key step toward Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed spaceflight. ISRO’s Nilesh M Desai called it “unforgettable,” noting it boosts India’s human spaceflight expertise. Shukla’s training and experiments aided Gaganyaan’s planning and execution.

Inspiring a Nation

Shukla’s achievement has sparked national pride, with leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Union Minister Amit Shah hailing him as a “space hero.” Modi noted that Shukla “inspired a billion dreams with his dedication, courage, and pioneering spirit.” His family in Lucknow expressed immense pride, with his mother, Asha Shukla, tearfully thanking those who supported his journey.

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Challenges and Unique Experiences

Living in microgravity presented challenges, such as weakened immunity and adapting to a waterless environment. Shukla used wet towels to stay clean and even received an in-flight haircut, a lighthearted moment that highlighted the unique aspects of space life. Despite these challenges, he completed all assigned tasks, showcasing resilience and adaptability.

ISRO’s Critical Role

ISRO’s expertise shone through when its team detected a critical crack in the Falcon 9 rocket before the Axiom-4 launch, preventing a potential mission failure. This contribution underscored India’s growing role in international space collaboration, further solidified by an ISRO-NASA agreement signed during Prime Minister Modi’s recent U.S. visit.

Conclusion

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS and second in space after Rakesh Sharma, symbolizes India’s growing space ambitions. His 18-day Axiom-4 mission supports the Gaganyaan program, advancing science and global collaboration. As he returns to India on August 17, 2025, his legacy as a “Gaganyatri” continues to inspire.

FAQ

What made Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission special?

He became the first Indian to visit the ISS and completed 7 science experiments in microgravity, boosting India’s Gaganyaan prep.

What kind of experiments did Shukla perform in space?

He tested muscle health, seed sprouting, tardigrades, radiation impact, and algae as future food, directly feeding into astronaut health and agri-tech.

Where did Shukla train before his spaceflight?

He trained in Russia’s Star City for a year and spent 8 months at NASA, gearing up for both Axiom-4 and India’s Gaganyaan mission.

How did ISRO contribute to Axiom-4’s success?

ISRO detected a crack in the Falcon 9 pre-launch, preventing failure. They also tracked the mission and handled real-time crew data.

What’s the tech takeaway for India post-mission?

Axiom-4 gave ISRO live mission control experience and research data, laying groundwork for the 2027 Gaganyaan launch and 2035 space station.

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