Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Meet the First Indian Astronaut to Pilot Axiom-4

Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla will serve as the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for launch later this year. Not only will he be performing yoga in space, but he is also expected to share some traditional Indian dishes with his fellow astronauts, marking a special cultural touch for this historic mission.

Meet the First Indian Astronaut to Pilot Axiom-4

Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to space will make him only the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew to space in 1984. Shukla’s achievement follows his recent selection for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the ISS, which was announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

NASA Space Operations recently shared on X, "NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida no earlier than spring 2025." 

The post continued, "Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while Indian Space Research Organization astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot."

.@NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the @Space_Station, launching from @NASAKennedy in Florida no earlier than spring 2025.

Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at… pic.twitter.com/HIb2otrmjx

— NASA Space Operations (@NASASpaceOps) January 29, 2025

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla has always had a passion for aviation. He joined the Indian Air Force in June 2006 as a fighter pilot and was promoted to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024. Throughout his career, Shukla has honed his skills flying several fighter jets, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. Known for his dedication and expertise, he has emerged as a distinguished officer within the Indian Air Force.

Shukla was also chosen as one of the four pilots for India’s highly anticipated human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, which is set to make India the fourth country to send humans into space independently. His selection for the ISS mission further solidifies his place among the top pilots in India and highlights his exceptional skills in the field of aviation and space exploration.

While Shukla has been recommended as the primary astronaut for this mission, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be his backup.