Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born 10th October, 1985 in Lucknow, is a seasoned fighter pilot and test pilot in the Indian Air Force. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in 2005 and was commissioned in June 2006. With over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft such as the Su30 MKI, MiG21/29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier 228, and An32, he rose to the rank of group captain in March 2024. Selected in 2019 by ISRO as part of the inaugural Gaganyaan astronaut cadre, Shukla trained at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Center and later in Bengaluru. In August 2024, he was appointed mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax4), a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in partnership with NASA, Axiom Space, ESA, and ISRO. Launched on 25th June, 2025 aboard SpaceX Dragon, Shukla spent 18 days in orbit, logging about 20 days in space with more than 282 orbits around Earth and covering ~12/million/km. Shukla safely returned to Earth on 15th July, 2025, in stable health and is undergoing standard post-mission recovery. His return has been hailed nationally, with the government adopting a resolution celebrating his mission as a milestone in India's space journey and a critical steppingstone toward its own crewed Gaganyaan mission and future space station. The book chronicles the inspiring journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, from an IAF test pilot to India's first ISRO astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in aviation and science. He pursued his early education in Lucknow before securing admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), where he began his journey towards becoming a fighter pilot. His passion for flying, discipline, and dedication were evident even during his training days.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2006, Shukla quickly established himself as a skilled fighter pilot. He flew advanced combat aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, MiG-21, and MiG-29, gaining extensive operational experience. With more than 2,000 hours of flying time, he also served as a test pilot, contributing to India's defense aviation capabilities through rigorous aircraft trials and evaluations.
In 2019, Shubhanshu Shukla was shortlisted by ISRO to be part of India's first astronaut training program under the Gaganyaan mission. Along with three other candidates, he trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. He later completed advanced mission-specific training in Bengaluru, focusing on orbital mechanics, life support systems, and microgravity operations.
In 2024, Shukla was selected as the mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)-a privately funded international mission to the International Space Station (ISS), supported by NASA, Axiom Space, ESA, and ISRO. On June 25, 2025, he launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, making him the first ISRO astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.
During the 18-day mission aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted several cutting-edge scientific experiments designed by Indian institutions. These included research on muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, crop sprouting in microgravity, cognitive performance in space, and cyanobacteria behavior. His work provided critical data to advance India's future human spaceflight and space biology research.
On July 15, 2025, Shukla safely returned to Earth and was welcomed with nationwide pride. The Government of India passed a formal resolution recognizing his mission as a historic achievement. His successful spaceflight demonstrated India's growing capabilities in international space collaboration and human space travel, serving as a major milestone toward the Gaganyaan mission and India's own planned space station.
Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from a young boy in Lucknow to the stars is an inspiring story of courage, determination, and excellence. He symbolizes the aspirations of modern India in space exploration. His mission has not only strengthened ISRO's global standing but also inspired a new generation of Indian youth to dream beyond Earth. As India prepares for future manned missions, Shukla's name will be remembered as a trailblazer in the nation's space odyssey.
This account celebrates courage, discipline, and scientific spirit, capturing a historic chapter in India's space exploration through the eyes of a national hero.
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