Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is poised to make history as he embarks on the NASA/SpaceX Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, set to launch on June 10th from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marks a significant milestone for India, representing a return to human spaceflight after 41 years.

Group Captain Shukla will be only the second Indian ever to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's journey aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. However, he will be the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. This mission holds immense significance for India's space program and is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.

The Ax-4 mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, ISRO, and the European Space Agency (ESA), is operated by the Houston-based private company Axiom Space. ISRO has invested 5 billion rupees ($59 million) to secure Group Captain Shukla's seat and training for the mission. The experience he gains during his two-week stay on the ISS will be invaluable for India's future space endeavors, particularly the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight initiative, slated for 2027, for which Shukla is also selected as one of the four astronauts.

Born in Lucknow on October 10, 1985, Group Captain Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2006. A seasoned combat pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience, he has flown various aircraft, including MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Su-30 MKIs, Jaguars, Hawks, Dorniers, and An-32s.

Group Captain Shukla's role in the Ax-4 mission is crucial. As the pilot, he will serve as second-in-command to the mission commander, Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and space veteran. His responsibilities will include assisting with spacecraft operations during launch, docking, undocking, and the return to Earth. The Ax-4 mission also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Similar to Group Captain Shukla, they will be taking their countries back to space after more than four decades.

Group Captain Shukla expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the transformative journey he has undertaken over the past year. He sees his mission as carrying the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, aiming to ignite curiosity among children and inspire future generations in India.

His family and neighbors have expressed their pride and are praying for his safe and successful mission. His parents conveyed their joy and the overwhelming support and good wishes they have received from the nation.

The Ax-4 mission is more than just a spaceflight; it represents a resurgence of India's presence in space exploration and highlights the growing collaboration between nations in advancing space technology and research. Group Captain Shukla's pioneering journey is set to usher in a new era for India in the cosmos, fostering innovation and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams in science and space.