From Lucknow to the Stars: Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian on ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the first Indian astronaut to live and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on 8 June 2025, as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla’s mission marks a monumental leap for India’s human spaceflight ambitions and its growing global space presence.

Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla’s fascination with the skies began in childhood. A student of City Montessori School, his dream of serving the country took shape after the 1999 Kargil War. At just 16, he applied to the National Defence Academy without informing his parents, driven by a fierce desire to serve the nation.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2006, Shukla became a fighter pilot, logging over 2,000 flight hours on advanced aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, and Jaguar. His roles as a Fighter Combat Leader and test pilot have seen him fly cutting-edge systems to their limits, often in extreme conditions.

In 2019, Shukla was selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s ambitious human spaceflight program. He trained extensively at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, followed by advanced astronaut training in Bangalore and a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Now, Shukla is gearing up for his maiden spaceflight as part of Axiom Space’s fourth private mission, in collaboration with ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, the same pad that launched Apollo 11 to the Moon.

During his 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla will lead five scientific experiments in collaboration with NASA, including research in space agriculture. He will also conduct seven experiments designed by ISRO, contributing to India’s growing body of space research.

In a unique outreach initiative, Shukla will interact live with students across India from the ISS, aiming to ignite curiosity and passion for space science among the nation’s youth.

Married to Dr. Kamna, a dentist, Shukla is a devoted father and family man. His parents and two elder sisters have supported his incredible journey every step of the way.

As he prepares to represent India in orbit, Shubhanshu Shukla embodies the dreams of a billion citizens and the boundless possibilities of Indian science and courage. His mission is not just personal — it’s a milestone for the nation.

IT.