Shubhanshu Shukla: First Indian Astronaut on Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
Explore Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to the International Space Station with NASA’s Axiom-4 mission.
Axiom-4 Mission: India’s Stellar Achievement
On June 25, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to launch on NASA’s Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, marking a historic milestone for India.
At 12:01 PM IST, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla piloted the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket, joined by commander Peggy Whitson.
With mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu, Shukla’s 14-day mission includes conducting 60 scientific experiments, seven led by Indian researchers, focusing on microgravity and health.
Despite six delays due to a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9, the mission launched successfully, docking with the ISS on June 26, 2025, at 4:30 PM IST.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s role strengthens India’s global space presence, advancing the Gaganyaan program and showcasing ISRO’s growing expertise in human spaceflight and international collaboration.
Shubhanshu Shukla Biography: A Journey to Space
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shekhar Shukla is a distinguished Indian Air Force officer and ISRO astronaut, aged 39 as of June 2025.
Shukla’s dedication led him to become India’s first astronaut on the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy in Pune, he joined the IAF’s fighter stream in June 2006 as a Wing Commander, later promoted to Group Captain.
Selected by ISRO for Axiom-4, Shukla underwent rigorous astronaut training with NASA and at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, preparing him for this historic mission.
His schooling at City Montessori School, Lucknow, sparked his passion for aviation, inspired by air shows and India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, fueling his space ambitions.
- Full Name: Shubhanshu Shekhar Shukla
- Age: 39 years (as of June 2025)
- Education: National Defence Academy, Pune; City Montessori School, Lucknow
- Profession: Group Captain, Indian Air Force; Astronaut
- Achievement: First Indian astronaut on Axiom-4 mission
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Wife and Family: Pillars of Strength
Shubhanshu Shukla is married to Dr. Kamna Shukla, a respected dentist in Lucknow, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout his journey to become an Axiom-4 astronaut.
Kamna, a childhood friend from primary school, stood by Shukla during his rigorous training, sharing emotional moments that resonated with millions across India on social media.
Shukla posted on Instagram before the launch, “Kamna, your love is my strength. This mission is ours together,” earning heartfelt responses from fans inspired by their bond.
Kamna replied, “You’re my hero, Shubhanshu. Shine in space!” Their love story has become a symbol of partnership and inspiration for many in India.
Shukla’s parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired official, and Asha Shukla, a homemaker, watched the Axiom-4 launch in Lucknow, calling it a moment of national pride.
While his extended family remains private, their unwavering support has shaped Shukla’s success as India’s first astronaut on the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
Shubhanshu Shukla with wife, Dr. Kamna Shukla, before Axiom-4 mission. (Image for illustration)
Axiom-4 Mission Details: Shubhanshu’s Role
Axiom-4, a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, is a landmark in commercial spaceflight, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the mission pilot for the ISS journey.
Shukla manages critical operations during the 28-hour journey to the ISS, ensuring the mission’s success during the 14-day stay, conducting experiments with commander Peggy Whitson’s team.
The crew performs 60 experiments, including seven Indian-led studies on fluid dynamics, human physiology, and material testing in microgravity, advancing India’s scientific contributions to global space research.
Launched on June 25, 2025, after overcoming technical delays like a liquid oxygen leak, Axiom-4 supports India’s Gaganyaan program, strengthening its human spaceflight ambitions.
Shukla’s training with ISRO, NASA, and Russia’s Gagarin Centre equips him to excel in this historic Axiom-4 space mission, docking with the ISS on June 26, 2025.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Salary and Net Worth
As an Indian Air Force Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla earns approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh monthly, including allowances, reflecting his senior military rank and extensive experience in the IAF.
Axiom-4, a commercial mission by Axiom Space, does not provide a separate salary for Shukla’s 14-day stay on the ISS, as it’s part of his ISRO duties.
His net worth, estimated at $4–8 million USD, includes military earnings, investments, and endorsements gained from his fame as India’s first Axiom-4 astronaut.
Shukla’s financial journey underscores his disciplined career, inspiring young professionals in India’s space sector to pursue excellence in science and exploration.
Shubhanshu Shukla Awards and Achievements
Shukla’s selection as India’s first Axiom-4 astronaut is a monumental achievement, earning him widespread recognition as a trailblazer in India’s space program and global space exploration.
While specific IAF awards remain private, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shukla as “a symbol of India’s scientific progress,” highlighting his role in advancing national pride.
Lucknow schools launched scholarships in Shukla’s name, encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration, inspired by his historic journey to the ISS.
His Axiom-4 mission has ignited pride across India, positioning Shukla as a role model for future astronauts and a beacon of scientific ambition.
Shubhanshu Shukla on Social Media
Shubhanshu Shukla connects with fans on social media, sharing mission updates, training insights, and personal moments, inspiring millions with his journey to the International Space Station.
Follow him on Instagram at @gaganshu_shux for Axiom-4 mission photos, family posts, and highlights from his training and spaceflight experience with NASA and ISRO.
On X, follow @shubhanshu_iss for real-time updates from the ISS, including experiment progress, stunning space photography, and reflections on his role as India’s first astronaut.
His viral Instagram post, featuring A.R. Rahman’s “Yun Hi Chala Chal” from *Swades*, resonated with fans, uniting them in patriotism and pride for India’s space achievements.
Shubhanshu Shukla in Hindi: भारत का अंतरिक्ष योद्धा
ग्रुप कैप्टन शुभांशु शेखर शुक्ला ने 25 जून 2025 को नासा के एक्सिओम-4 मिशन पर अंतरराष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन (ISS) के लिए उड़ान भरी, जिसने भारत को अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान में नई ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंचाया। यह मिशन ISRO के गगनयान कार्यक्रम को मजबूत करता है और युवाओं को प्रेरित करता है।
लखनऊ में 10 अक्टूबर 1985 को जन्मे शुभांशु ने सिटी मॉन्टेसरी स्कूल और राष्ट्रीय रक्षा अकादमी (NDA) से शिक्षा प्राप्त की, जिसने उनके अंतरिक्ष यात्री बनने का मार्ग प्रशस्त किया।
भारतीय वायुसेना में ग्रुप कैप्टन के रूप में, उन्होंने 41 वर्ष बाद भारत को अंतरिक्ष में मानव उड़ान के क्षेत्र में गौरवान्वित किया।
उनकी पत्नी, डॉ. कामना शुक्ला, और परिवार ने इस ऐतिहासिक क्षण में उनका साथ दिया, जो भारत के लिए गर्व का पल है।
शुभांशु सात भारतीय वैज्ञानिक प्रयोगों का नेतृत्व करते हैं, जो भारत के अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान को नई ऊंचाइयों तक ले जा रहे हैं।
Clarifying Misconceptions: Shubhanshu Shukla
The name “Shubhanshu” has caused confusion with unrelated individuals like Shubhashis Sengupta (Accenture), Shubhalok Ghosh (TCS), or Shubham Shukla, who are not involved in space exploration.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shekhar Shukla is the IAF astronaut leading Axiom-4’s mission, dedicated to advancing India’s space program and conducting experiments on the ISS.
His unique role as India’s first ISS astronaut distinguishes him from others with similar names, ensuring clarity about his historic contributions to space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4
1. Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shekhar Shukla, born October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, is an Indian Air Force officer and ISRO astronaut, the first Indian to pilot NASA’s Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
At 39, he became the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. Shukla trained at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s Bengaluru facility for this historic mission.
2. What is the Axiom-4 mission?
Axiom-4 is a commercial spaceflight by Axiom Space, launched June 24, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft for the ISS.
It carries four astronauts, including Shukla, for 14 days to conduct 60 experiments, docking on June 25, 2025. Seven ISRO-led studies focus on microgravity and nutrition.
3. What role does Shubhanshu Shukla play in Axiom-4?
Shukla serves as the mission pilot, managing critical operations during the 28-hour journey to the ISS, ensuring success during the 14-day stay with commander Peggy Whitson’s team.
He leads seven Indian experiments on microgravity and nutrition, supporting India’s Gaganyaan program and showcasing ISRO’s expertise in human spaceflight and international collaboration.
4. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla’s wife?
Shubhanshu Shukla is married to Dr. Kamna Shukla, a dentist in Lucknow, who met him in primary school, forming a lifelong friendship and partnership that inspired many.
Kamna supported Shukla’s Axiom-4 training, with his Instagram post, “Without you, Kamna, none of this would matter,” resonating with fans across India and beyond.
5. What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s educational background?
Shukla studied at City Montessori School, Lucknow, where air shows sparked his space ambitions, inspired by Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight, fueling his dream to become an astronaut.
He graduated from the National Defence Academy in Pune, joining the IAF in 2006, and trained with ISRO and NASA for Axiom-4, starting with Gaganyaan in 2019.
6. What experiments will Shukla conduct on the ISS?
Shukla leads seven ISRO experiments on the ISS, focusing on microgravity, food, nutrition, and material science, advancing India’s space research and contributing to global scientific discoveries.
He participates in five NASA joint studies, including sprouting fenugreek and green gram in microgravity and sharing Indian delicacies like mango nectar with the crew.
7. What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s family background?
Shukla’s parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired official, and Asha Shukla, a homemaker, watched his Axiom-4 launch in Lucknow, calling it a national triumph for India.
Supported by his wife, Kamna, and private family, their encouragement has been vital to Shukla’s success as India’s first astronaut on the Axiom-4 mission.
8. What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s salary and net worth?
IAF Group Captain Shukla earns ₹1.5–2 lakh monthly, including allowances, reflecting his senior rank. Axiom-4 offers no separate salary for his 14-day ISS stay with ISRO.
His net worth, estimated at $4–8 million USD, includes military earnings, investments, and endorsements, highlighting his disciplined career as an astronaut and IAF officer.
9. Does Shubhanshu Shukla have a Wikipedia or Instagram?
No verified Wikipedia page exists for Shukla as of June 2025, but news articles cover his Axiom-4 journey. Follow him on Instagram at @gaganshu_shux for mission updates.
On X, follow @shubhanshu_iss for real-time ISS updates. His viral post with A.R. Rahman’s “Yun Hi Chala Chal” from *Swades* inspired millions.
10. What awards has Shubhanshu Shukla received?
Shukla’s Axiom-4 selection is a monumental achievement, earning acclaim from PM Narendra Modi as a symbol of India’s scientific progress, inspiring the nation’s youth and scientists.
While IAF awards are private, Lucknow schools launched scholarships in Shukla’s name, encouraging STEM careers, with his ISS role as a historic honor.
