Shubhanshu Shukla: IAF Officer on Axiom-4 to ISS
Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut in over four decades to journey to the International space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission. Scheduled to launch June 11 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, this mission marks a pivotal moment for India’s space program, especially concerning the Gaganyaan program. group Capt. Shukla will pilot the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, contributing to vital scientific research alongside an international crew. this mission, backed by meaningful investment from India, including ISRO, promises groundbreaking insights. Discover how Shukla’s expertise, honed over 2,000 flight hours, and his rigorous training in Russia and Bengaluru have prepared him for this landmark endeavor.The mission supports India’s Gaganyaan program. news Directory 3 is following this story closely. Discover what’s next for india in space exploration.
Indian Air Force Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla to Join Axiom Space Mission to ISS
Updated June 10, 2025
Indian Air Force Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in over 40 years. As part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, the launch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. IST on june 11 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Shukla will serve as the mission pilot aboard a SpaceX crew Dragon spacecraft. He joins Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S., Sławosz Uznański from Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary for a two-week mission focused on scientific research and fostering international collaboration. This privately funded commercial endeavor reportedly involves an investment exceeding $60 million from India, wiht ISRO allocating ₹550 crore to the axiom-4 mission.
Born in Lucknow on Oct. 10, 1985, Shukla is a graduate of the national Defense Academy.Commissioned into the Indian Air force in 2006, he has logged over 2,000 flying hours across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. He also holds an M.Tech in Aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla | Photo Credit: visveswan v
Shukla, nicknamed “Shux,” was among four officers selected in 2019 for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. He underwent extensive training in Russia and Bengaluru. His inclusion in the Axiom-4 crew is viewed as a crucial step toward India’s crewed Space Missions under gaganyaan, expected in 2027. He follows Rakesh sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet spacecraft in 1984.
“This is not just my journey; this is the journey of 1.4 billion Indians. Even if this story can change one life or inspire one young person, it will be a success,” Mr. Shukla said.
The Axiom-4 crew will spend 14 to 21 days on the ISS, conducting over 60 experiments in collaboration with 31 countries.These experiments span biomedical research, Earth observation, and materials science. ISRO contributed to some experiments,providing india with valuable insights for the Gaganyaan mission.
The Ax-4 mission marks a return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, representing each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in over 40 years. This mission underscores Axiom Space’s role in redefining access to low-Earth orbit and advancing national space programs globally, supporting India’s human spaceflight ambitions and the Gaganyaan mission.
What’s next
Following the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO will analyze the data and operational experience gained to further refine its plans for the Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027. This includes advancements in crew training, spacecraft design, and mission protocols to ensure a triumphant and safe indigenous human spaceflight program.