Shubhanshu Shukla set to become first Indian astronaut on International Space Station

Shukla’s vision

At an earlier online press conference, Shukla expressed his excitement and the importance of this mission for India. “Our endeavour is to execute this mission with utmost professionalism. I also hope to ignite the curiosity of an entire generation in my country through my mission and drive the innovation that would make many such missions possible in the future,” he said.

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla studied at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter wing in June 2006 and was promoted to Group Captain in March 2024.

With over 2,000 hours of flight experience, Shukla has flown various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

In 2019, ISRO selected him for astronaut training. He then trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow. In February 2024, he was chosen as the prime astronaut for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, planned for 2026.

Private space missions

For more than two decades, the International Space Station has been a center for scientific research and technological advancements. As private space missions become more common, NASA aims to create a commercial space economy in low Earth orbit.

This will help NASA focus on deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars, while private companies take on more roles in space exploration.

“I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s ISS Program at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. “As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment.”

The Ax-4 crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and stay at the ISS for up to 14 days. During their time in space, they will conduct scientific research, outreach programs, and commercial activities.

This mission is a joint effort between NASA and ISRO and will also mark the first time astronauts from Poland and Hungary will stay at the ISS.

(With inputs from NASA’s official website)