Shubhanshu Shukla represents the spirit of modern India—fearless, skilled, and forward-looking. As the first Indian in 40 years to visit the ISS and a key member of the Gaganyaan Mission, his legacy is already written in the stars. His journey from Lucknow to low Earth orbit is a reminder that with vision, training, and courage, even the sky is not the limit.
Beginning
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a proud name in Indian aviation and space history. Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla is a distinguished Indian Air Force officer, test pilot, and astronaut.
He holds the honor of becoming the first Indian astronaut in 40 years to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), after the legendary Rakesh Sharma in 1984. His journey marks a new chapter in India’s space legacy and showcases the country’s rise in space exploration.
Early Life
Shubhanshu Shukla was born and raised in Lucknow, where he attended the renowned City Montessori School (CMS). From a young age, he showed brilliance in academics and a strong interest in science and aviation. His ambition to fly and serve the nation led him to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
He later earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree there. Eager to expand his technical knowledge, Shukla pursued a Master of Technology (M.Tech) from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, one of India’s top research institutions.
Shubhanshu Shukla Career in the Indian Air Force
Shubhanshu Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 as a fighter pilot. Over the years, he built an exceptional flying record, clocking over 2,000 hours of flight time.
He flew several advanced aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. His skill and dedication earned him a place at the IAF Test Pilots School, making him a qualified experimental test pilot.
In March 2024, Shukla was promoted to the rank of Group Captain, one of the highest operational ranks in the Indian Air Force.
Shubhanshu Shukla Astronaut Selection and Training
In 2019, Group Captain Shukla was selected as one of the four astronauts for India’s first human space mission Gaganyaan by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). As part of this mission, he received intensive astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut
Training Centre in Russia. The training covered everything from spacecraft systems to physical endurance, survival techniques, and simulations.
India’s First Visit to ISS After 40 Years
In 2024, Shukla was chosen as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) a joint mission involving Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX.
This mission made him the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station in four decades, after Rakesh Sharma, who flew with the Soviet Union in 1984.
Sharma had spent eight days aboard the Salyut-7 space station, marking India’s first human presence in space. After 40 years, Shukla’s historic flight rekindled national pride and global recognition.
Axiom Mission 4 – A Historic Launch
The Ax-4 mission was initially delayed due to technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. However, it was successfully launched on June 25, 2025. Shukla served as the mission pilot, flying alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and two international payload specialists.
They launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and reached the International Space Station (ISS), where Shukla conducted scientific tasks and symbolic activities representing India.
This mission highlighted India’s growing partnership in global space exploration and marked a major milestone in its human spaceflight capabilities.
Role in the Gaganyaan Mission
While his ISS mission was historic, Shukla remains an integral part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission. This is India’s first indigenous human spaceflight program, aiming to launch a crew of three astronauts to low Earth orbit (LEO) for a three-day mission.
The launch is currently planned for late 2026 or early 2027, after a series of uncrewed test flights beginning in 2025.
Shukla is one of four astronauts selected for the mission, alongside:
Together, they will help India demonstrate human spaceflight capability, develop homegrown technology, and pave the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond.
- Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair
- Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
- Group Captain Angad Pratap
Shubhanshu Shukla Legacy and Impact
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey has inspired millions across India. His selection and successful spaceflight prove the strength of India’s armed forces, research institutes, and space agencies. He stands as a symbol of dedication, courage, and progress.
His contribution is not just historic in space terms, but also a turning point for India’s space dreams. From Rakesh Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla, the torch has been passed to a new generation of Indian astronauts.
Key Highlights of Shubhanshu Shukla’s Life
- Full Name: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Date of Birth: October 10, 1985
- Place of Birth: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Education: City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Indian Air Force Service: Commissioned in 2006
- Rank: Promoted to Group Captain in March 2024
- Flight Hours: Over 2,000 hours
- Aircraft Flown: Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29 Jaguar Hawk Dornier An-32
- Astronaut Training: Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia
- Major Spaceflight: Axiom Mission 4 First Indian at ISS after 40 years
- Role in Gaganyaan: Selected astronaut for India’s first human space mission
Shubhanshu Shukla FAQs
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force officer, test pilot, and astronaut. He is the first Indian in 40 years to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
When and where was Shubhanshu Shukla born?
He was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s role in the Indian Air Force?
He joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 as a fighter pilot and was promoted to the rank of Group Captain in 2024.
How many flight hours does Shubhanshu Shukla have?
He has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, and Jaguar.
What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s educational background?
He studied at City Montessori School in Lucknow, graduated from NDA Pune, and completed his M.Tech at IISc Bangalore.
Which mission made Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian at ISS in 40 years?
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launched on June 25, 2025, made him the first Indian at the ISS since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
What training did Shubhanshu Shukla receive for space missions?
He received astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia.
What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s role in the Gaganyaan Mission?
He is one of the four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight mission planned for 2026–2027.
Who else is part of the Gaganyaan astronaut team with Shubhanshu Shukla?
The other astronauts are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap.
Why is Shubhanshu Shukla important to India’s space history?
He represents India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades and inspires a new generation of astronauts and scientists.
