Shubhanshu Shukla is on the precipice of making history as he embarks on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS), a mission that resonates deeply with the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. As the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, he is not only fulfilling a personal dream but also carrying the hopes and expectations of a nation with burgeoning ambitions in space exploration. Scheduled to launch on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from the United States, this mission is a collaboration with Axiom Space, utilizing a SpaceX capsule.

Shukla's journey to space began with a strong foundation in aviation and a deep-seated desire to serve his country. Born in Lucknow in October 1985, he was inspired by the Kargil War in 1999. This inspiration led him to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the age of 16. He cleared the UPSC NDA examination independently and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the NDA in 2005. He furthered his education with a Master of Technology in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, Shukla has had a distinguished career as a combat leader and test pilot, accumulating over 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. His selection by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) for India’s Human Spaceflight Programme in 2019 marked a pivotal moment. He underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia and the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru, preparing him for the challenges of spaceflight.

Shukla joins a four-person international crew, including mission commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut now with Axiom, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the European Space Agency, and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. Together, they will spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting approximately 60 scientific experiments covering microgravity, Earth observation, life sciences, and materials research. ISRO has lined up seven experiments for Shukla, focusing on India-centric food, including sprouting methi and moong in microgravity conditions. He will also participate in five joint studies planned by NASA for its human research program.

Shukla's mission is not just a personal achievement but a crucial step for India's space program. His experience will be invaluable for the Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2027, which aims to send an Indian into space from Indian soil. This mission also holds significance as the ISS is set to retire by 2030, making Shukla potentially the first and last Indian astronaut to visit the station.

Reflecting on his mission, Shukla said, “Even though I am traveling alone, this is the journey of 1.4 billion Indians. I hope to inspire a new generation.” His words encapsulate the weight of expectations and the sense of national pride associated with his journey. With the world watching, Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to leave his mark on space exploration, inspiring countless others to reach for the stars.