In a historic moment for Indian space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. After the successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft on Thursday, the mission officially began its 14-day tenure aboard the orbiting laboratory.
During this period, the Axiom-4 crew will conduct nearly 60 scientific experiments, with Shukla leading seven critical projects focused on microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach.
This mission also highlights a significant milestone in Indo-US space cooperation, fulfilling a joint pledge made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-US President Donald Trump to send an ISRO-associated astronaut to the ISS.
The mission features five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM education demonstrations, showcasing deepening ties between NASA and ISRO in space research and exploration.
Alongside Shukla, the mission includes the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to reside aboard the ISS, making it a landmark achievement for all three countries.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Five Key Facts
- Second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma (1984), Shukla now makes history aboard the ISS, 41 years later.
- Hailing from Lucknow, the 39-year-old IAF officer was named one of the four astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan mission scheduled for 2025.
- A Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, he is a decorated combat leader and experienced test pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience across aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, Jaguar, and Dornier.
- On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Modi announced Shukla’s selection for Gaganyaan training, recognizing him as part of India’s first human spaceflight crew.
- Nicknamed ‘Shux’ by his crew, Shukla serves as the mission pilot for Axiom-4, overseeing critical operations like spacecraft trajectory, orbital adjustments, and ISS docking protocols.
With this achievement, India takes another giant leap in space exploration, setting the stage for more ambitious collaborations and scientific breakthroughs.