Meet Shubhanshu Shukla : The Astronaut Carrying Indian Pride To Space

Add as a preferred source on Google

When Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla boards the SpaceX Falcon 9 on 10th June, he won't just be stepping into a spacecraft, he'll be stepping into an entirely new chapter of India's space story. Set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla's mission marks a turning point for a country steadily carving its place in human spaceflight.

Photo Credit: PTI

A Path Forged With Discipline

Born in October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla's interest in aviation took root during the Kargil conflict of 1999. By the time he turned twenty, he had already cleared the NDA examination on his own. He graduated in 2005 with a degree in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy and later went on to earn a Master of Technology in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bengaluru.

His career with the Indian Air Force began in 2006, and by 2024 he had risen to the rank of Group Captain. A decorated pilot with over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29, Shukla also holds the distinction of being a test pilot-a role that demands technical precision and unshakable focus.

The Mission : Axiom-4

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is being operated by Texas-based Axiom Space, with support from NASA and SpaceX. The four-member crew includes Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

The team will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research and engaging in educational outreach. This will also mark the return of Poland and Hungary to human spaceflight after more than four decades.

Launch is scheduled for 5:52 pm IST on 10th June from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida.

From Bengaluru To Cologne And Beyond

Preparing for a space mission is no small feat. Over the past few years, Shukla has trained across continents with some of the world's top space agencies.

At ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, he was trained in communication systems and emergency protocols. In Japan, he worked at JAXA's Tsukuba Space Centre to become familiar with the Kibo module. His journey into astronaut training began in 2019, when he was selected by the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme and later completed initial training in Russia in 2021.

He is also one of four astronauts named for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, set to launch in 2026.

A Taste Of Home In Orbit

Though spaceflight demands extreme precision, there's room for small comforts. For Shukla, that comes in the form of carefully selected Indian dishes.

With help from ISRO and the Defence Food Research Laboratory in Mysuru, he'll carry specially prepared meals such as aam ras, moong dal halwa, and rice-based dishes. The menu was carefully reviewed and adapted for space, where spice levels and packaging both need adjustments.

His sister, Suchi Shukla, shared that he's particularly excited to introduce his fellow astronauts to Indian flavours, a gesture both personal and cultural.

What He Carries With Him

Apart from scientific equipment and nutrition packs, Shukla is also taking personal mementoes into space. While specific items are under wraps due to protocol, family members believe photographs are likely among them.

One confirmed item is a small swan-shaped soft toy named Joy, which will act as a zero-gravity indicator. More than that, it holds symbolic meaning for Shukla, who sees the swan as representing clarity and wisdom.

Family On Earth, Eyes On The Sky

Back in Lucknow, his family is closely following every update. His wife, Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, and their four-year-old son are currently in Florida, preparing to witness the launch in person. Despite being in quarantine, Shukla continues to stay in touch with his loved ones through daily video calls.

His parents, too, are holding both pride and anticipation. "We are praying for his safety," his father shared in an interview, "and also for the success of the mission for him, and for India."

A Shared Step Forward

It's taken decades for India to send another citizen into space. The last time was in 1984, when Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Soviet Soyuz craft. Though Indian-origin astronauts like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams have flown with NASA, Shukla's mission is distinct: he is flying as an Indian national, carrying India's flag and spirit to the ISS.

What he represents is not a lone achievement but a growing confidence in international partnerships, homegrown talent, and a future that is increasingly collaborative.