NEW DELHI — In a historic moment that bridged the gap between military valor and scientific frontier, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was conferred the Ashok Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day parade today, Monday, January 26, 2026.
The award recognizes his “conspicuous bravery” and “exemplary courage” during the high-stakes Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) in 2025. This marks only the second time in Indian history that the Ashok Chakra has been awarded for a space mission, the first being Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
1. The Axiom-4 Odyssey (June 2025)
Group Captain Shukla’s journey to the stars was not just a scientific feat but a rigorous test of pilot skills:
- The Mission: Launched on June 26, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shukla served as the primary mission pilot. He spent 18 days aboard the ISS, returning safely on July 15, 2025.
- The Milestone: He became the first Indian to set foot on the ISS and the second Indian citizen in space.
- The Citation: The honor recognizes his exceptional composure during critical orbital maneuvers and high-risk docking procedures, where technical precision is the only barrier against catastrophic failure.
2. Research in Microgravity
While in orbit, Group Captain Shukla spearheaded several experiments vital for India’s upcoming indigenous Gaganyaan mission (scheduled for 2027):
- Space Medicine: Studies on cardiovascular health and space-induced anemia.
- Materials Science: Experiments on the solidification of alloys and protein crystal growth in microgravity.
- Operational Training: His real-world experience is currently being used to refine the human-machine interface for ISRO’s future crewed modules.
3. Gallantry Honors 2026: The Highlights
While the Ashok Chakra was the crowning glory of the morning, several other bravehearts were honored:
- Kirti Chakra: Awarded to Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair (another Gaganyaan astronaut-designate).
- Shaurya Chakra: Conferred on 13 personnel, including two women naval officers, Lt. Cdr. Dilna K and Lt. Cdr. Roopa A, for their historic global circumnavigation.
Fact Sheet: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
| Category | Details |
| Rank & Service | Group Captain, Indian Air Force (Test Pilot) |
| Flight Experience | 2,000+ Hours (Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, etc.) |
| Space Mission | Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), June-July 2025 |
| Total Time in Space | ~20 Days |
| Education | NDA Alumnus; M.E. in Aerospace (IISc Bengaluru) |
| Award | Ashok Chakra (India’s Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award) |