- IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to become first Indian aboard the ISS.
- Ax-4 mission launches June 10 via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center.
- UAE astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori hails Shukla as “professional and ready.”
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the cusp of history, preparing to launch aboard Axiom Mission 4 as the pilot and second-in-command. This marks India’s return to human spaceflight after over four decades, as Shukla becomes the country’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station.
In addition to technical training, Shukla’s journey has drawn support from global peers. Emirati astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, who trained alongside him in Houston, praised his calm under pressure and readiness for high-risk ISS scenarios.
From Air Force to Outer Space: Shux Embodies India’s Cosmic Ambition
Shubhanshu Shukla’s inclusion on the Ax-4 crew not only reflects his individual capability but also a significant strategic step for ISRO. By investing ₹5 billion for his seat and training, India is signaling its commitment to acquiring hands-on experience in human spaceflight operations ahead of Gaganyaan and beyond.
At 39, Shukla has spent the past year undergoing intensive training in Houston, simulating emergencies like fire and depressurization aboard the ISS. His background as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force equipped him with a high-pressure skill set, vital for this complex mission.
The Ax-4 mission is not just about technology—it’s also about representation. Shukla carries with him the hopes of over a billion Indians, as he boldly enters the exclusive league of astronauts worldwide. His statement at the pre-launch press conference highlighted this pride, asking the nation for support and prayers.
This mission may also foster future partnerships between India and other spacefaring nations. UAE’s AlMansoori extended a personal invitation to Shukla post-mission, hinting at deeper international collaboration in outreach, education, and joint training initiatives in space science.
As countdown begins, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey marks a new dawn for India’s space aspirations—one that blends ambition, cooperation, and national pride in equal measure.
“As I go into space, I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts.” — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla