Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
The group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, also known as “Shux,” is a decorated Indian Air Force pilot born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He have graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) ,with a BSc in Computer Science (2005). Sukla later achieved an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from IISc.
The Shukla has logged over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21/29, Jaguar, Hawk, and An-32, establishing himself as an elite test pilot. In 2019, he was handpicked for ISRO’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and received intensive training in Russia and NASA facilities.
Axiom Mission 4: India’s Re-Entry into Human Spaceflight
Shukla launched into space aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on June 25, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission marked his entry into the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26, making him the first Indian on the ISS and the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
He joined a four-member international crew including:Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA),Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland),Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
What Will Shubhanshu Shukla Do in Space?
During the 14-day mission, Shukla is conducting seven ISRO-designed experiments among 60 experiments from 31 countries:
Crop Growth in Microgravity
The growing fenugreek (methi) and moong dal in space,testing microalgae for future life support and food systems.
Muscle Health
Analyzing muscle atrophy in microgravity,and evaluating countermeasures critical for long term missions like Gaganyaan.
Tardigrade Space Resilience
They studying the genetic resilience of extremophiles like tardigrades.They helps understand survivability in deep space environments.
Digital Stress & Eye Tracking
The part of “Screens in Space” experiment and tracks eye movement, screen exposure and psychological stress in zero gravity.
STEM Education Outreach
They Performing “STEM on strations” for Indian students and promotes space science and inspires young minds across South Asia.
Strategic and Symbolic Impact for India
Diplomatic & Global Visibility
The elevates Indian space diplomacy with NASA, SpaceX, Axiom.
Gateway to Gaganyaan
The Shukla’s mission lays groundwork, for ISRO’s crewed Gaganyaan flights planned for 2027.
Tech Demonstration
They verifies life support systems, food sustainability and health protocols for future missions.
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Cultural & National Pride
Celebrated by PM Modi, President Murmu, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and NDA.
Life on the ISS
The Shukla sleeps aboard the Crew Dragon capsule ‘Grace’,undergoes daily orientation and system checks on ISS. Therefore ,adapting to weightlessness and contributing to team science objectives.
Why This Mission Matters
| Aspect | Impact |
| Science & Research | Advances India capability in microgravity science |
| Tech Readiness | Tests ISRO systems for crewed Gaganyaan flight |
| Global Collaboration | Deepens ties with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom |
| Education & Inspiration | STEM push for youth across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Gulf |
FAQ
Is Shubhanshu Shukla India’s first astronaut?
Shukla is the second Indian in space, but the first to visit the ISS.
What is his role aboard ISS?
The lead scientist for ISRO’s experiments, STEM educator, and mission representative.
What happens after the 14 days mission?
Shukla will return aboard Crew Dragon and support Gaganyaan preparation.
Final Thoughts:
The group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey marks a milestone in India’s space history. From humble beginning in Lucknow to the high tech labs of the ISS his mission is a shining example of what India can achieve on the global space stage.