• By Ajeet Kumar
  • Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:01 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The country is all set to create history once again in its space journey as an Indian astronaut will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) next month as part of an international space mission. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will be part of the upcoming Axiom Space mission, Ax-4, scheduled for May 2025. This marks the first time an Indian will travel to the ISS, and the first human spaceflight by an Indian in over four decades since Rakesh Sharma's legendary mission in 1984. After a high-level review meeting with top officials from ISRO and the Department of Space, Minister Singh said this will be a defining moment for India's space ambitions.

ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan said Shukla is fully prepared for the mission, which is expected to provide valuable hands-on experience for India's future crewed missions, including the Gaganyaan project. Shukla, a decorated test pilot, was among those shortlisted under ISRO's Human Spaceflight Programme. His training and journey to the ISS will help India build deeper expertise in spaceflight operations, microgravity adaptation, and safety procedures. Unlike the symbolic first spaceflight in 1984, this mission is focused on operational readiness and international collaboration.

Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

According to the information posted on Axiom Space, an American privately funded space infrastructure developer, Shukla, a distinguished pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), has been handpicked as one of the four astronauts for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) historic Gaganyaan mission—the nation’s inaugural human space flight endeavour.

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Shukla's journey began when he was commissioned into the IAF fighter wing in June 2006. As a combat leader and seasoned test pilot, he boasts an impressive 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. His ascent to the rank of group captain in March 2024 reflects his exceptional contributions.

PM Modi unveiled Shukla as one of the elite astronauts 

In 2019, Shukla received a momentous call from ISRO. He embarked on rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, Russia— a year-long preparation that would shape his destiny. On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Shukla as one of the elite astronauts undergoing intensive training for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for launch in 2025.

Shukla is honoured and excited as he prepares to pilot the historic Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), leaving an indelible mark on India’s remarkable advancements in human space exploration.

(With inputs from agency)

Also Read: NASA Panel Warns: Could International Space Station, ISS, Fall Back To Earth?