Meet the Indian Air Force Pilot Heading to the ISS After Four Decades—Here’s Why His Spaceflight Is a Game-Changer for India

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ready to become the first Indian to visit the ISS, blazes a new trail for India’s space ambitions in 2025.

The world watches as history prepares to repeat itself—but with new faces and even bigger stakes. Next week, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is set to blast off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, propelling Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla into the record books as the second Indian to ever travel to space—and the first to enter the International Space Station (ISS).

The anticipation isn’t just about national pride. This mission represents a turning point for India’s space program, with ripple effects that could fuel the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.

Why Is This Mission a Big Deal for India?

Four decades ago, Rakesh Sharma made history aboard a Russian Soyuz. Now, Shubanshu Shukla follows that legendary path—not only as a pilot, but as the vital second-in-command for a truly global Axiom Space crew. Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force veteran with more than 2,000 hours of flight time on jets like MiGs and Sukhois, carries not just equipment, but the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

But what sets Ax-4 apart is the convergence of international space agencies—including NASA, ISRO, and ESA—with Axiom Space and SpaceX. This multi-nation crew is returning India, Poland, and Hungary to space after more than 40 years.

Who Is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Lucknow, India, in 1985, Shukla’s journey began by chance—filling in for a friend’s application to the National Defence Academy. That fateful decision launched him into a standout Air Force career and now, into space.

Known for his discipline and grit, Shukla’s intense training included psychological and physical evaluations, simulations, and months of astronaut coursework. He sees his mission as a tribute to his nation, urging young Indians to dream beyond limits and chase the stars.

What Will the Ax-4 Crew Do in Space?

Ax-4 isn’t just a symbolic flight—Shukla and the team will dive into around 60 scientific experiments, with seven led by ISRO.

Key experiments include:

• Testing how microgravity affects crop seeds—paving the way for farming in space.
• Growing microalgae to evaluate its potential as food, fuel, and life support.
• Studying tardigrades (Earth’s toughest micro-animals) to unlock secrets of survival in the harshest environments.
• Investigating astronaut muscle loss and cognitive changes when using digital screens in orbit, with the goal of designing the tech of tomorrow’s spacecraft.

How Will this Impact India’s Future in Space?

India is already setting its sights higher. The nation plans to launch its Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission by 2027, aiming for an Indian space station by 2035 and a Moon landing by 2040.

ISRO will also test a humanoid robot in space later this year—a harbinger of coming leaps in robotics and exploration. The skills, knowledge, and global partnerships gained during Ax-4 will directly inform these missions.

How Can Students and the Public Get Involved?

Shukla will connect with Indian students in real-time from the ISS, answering questions and sharing his experiences as he floats in microgravity—an event set to ignite curiosity and ambition across the country.

ISRO and Axiom Space encourage the public to track the mission, attend outreach events, and follow updates via official social media channels including Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

Don’t Miss This Launch—India’s Dreams Are Taking Flight!

Ax-4: Countdown to a New Era – Your Action Checklist

• Mark your calendar: 10 June 2025 for the Ax-4 launch.
• Follow live coverage on NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX official sites.
• Engage with real-time educational events and Q&A sessions from the ISS.
• Inspire the next generation—share this story with friends and family!