The return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has ignited a wave of excitement and national pride among Indian youth. As the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, and only the second Indian to venture into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, Shukla's achievement represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. His mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX, has not only demonstrated India's growing capabilities in human spaceflight but has also inspired a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Shukla's journey to space began on June 25, 2025, when he launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). During his 18-day stay on the ISS, he participated in over 60 scientific experiments, contributing to international research in various fields, including biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Notably, he led seven India-specific microgravity experiments, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space science and technology. These experiments are designed to generate critical data for future planetary missions and long-duration space habitation. One of his key projects was the "Sprouts Project," which studied plant growth in microgravity—a crucial step toward sustainable food production for future deep-space missions. He also worked on experiments examining how human cells adapt to space and tested AI-assisted robotics for station maintenance and data analysis.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Shukla and the multinational Ax-4 crew, safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on July 15, 2025, marking the end of a successful mission. The capsule orbited Earth several times, gradually aligning itself for the precise deorbit burn required to target the designated splashdown zone. Upon his return, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Shukla and stated that he has "inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit".
Shukla's mission is not only a personal triumph but also a crucial step forward for India's Gaganyaan program, the country's first human spaceflight mission, scheduled for 2026. His experience on Axiom 4 will provide valuable insights and hands-on knowledge of pre-launch quarantine procedures, international collaboration protocols, and spacecraft ingress and egress procedures, contributing to the success of Gaganyaan. Moreover, his mission has significantly elevated India's global standing within the space community, opening doors for deeper diplomatic collaborations and strengthening international partnerships.
Shukla's achievements have resonated deeply with Indian youth, who see him as a role model and an embodiment of the country's aspirations in space exploration. His journey has sparked a renewed interest in STEM fields and has encouraged young people to pursue careers in aerospace engineering, space science, and related disciplines. As India continues to invest in its space program, Shukla's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian astronauts and scientists to reach for the stars.
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shubhanshu Shukla's career is marked by stellar achievements. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force's fighter wing in June 2006, he has accumulated over 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft. He was promoted to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024. Selected in 2019 for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, he trained at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. In 2024, he was chosen to pilot Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station, becoming the first Indian astronaut to do so.
