Indian Air Force Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Second Indian in Space
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He is the second Indian citizen in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, and the first to visit the ISS. The 14-day mission, a collaboration including NASA and ISRO, will involve microgravity research. Celebrations erupted in his hometown Lucknow as the mission lifted off from Florida.
Unpacked:
Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station and the second Indian in space overall. Unlike Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet-hosted mission, Shukla’s flight is part of a commercial international collaboration involving SpaceX, NASA, and ISRO, reflecting India's growing integration into global human spaceflight activities.
Shukla serves as the pilot of the Crew Dragon C213 spacecraft during the Axiom-4 mission. His duties include ensuring safe spacecraft operations, assisting with docking at the ISS, and participating in microgravity research experiments during the 14-day stay.
Shukla is a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot with about 2,000 flight hours and experience on various aircraft. He was chosen for his expertise in flight operations and as one of four astronauts selected for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, underlining his significant training and credentials.
The Axiom-4 mission’s research focuses on experiments in microgravity, which could include studies in biology, materials science, and technology demonstrations. These studies help advance scientific knowledge and support future human spaceflight, although specific experiments involving Shukla haven’t been detailed publicly yet.