Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes India’s Pride in Space
India celebrates a historic milestone as Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian to journey into space. His inspiring journey—from a student in Lucknow to an ISRO astronaut—demonstrates that with courage, discipline, and education, no dream is beyond reach.
Shubhanshu Shukla – First Indian Astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS)
Early Life & Education
Shubhanshu Shukla was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his schooling at City Montessori School in Aliganj. He is married to Kamna Mishra, a dentist and his former classmate.
His journey began when he was selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA), where his discipline and passion shaped him into an officer in the Indian Air Force.
From Air Force to Astronaut
After graduating from the NDA with a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Shukla was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. As a test pilot, he flew various aircraft including the Su-30, MiG-21, Jaguar, and Hawk, accumulating over 2,000 hours of flying experience.
His exceptional skills, courage, and leadership earned him a place in ISRO’s astronaut training program, where he underwent rigorous training in both India and Russia. From flying jets to reaching space, his journey stands as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
Axiom Mission 4: Making History in Space
In June 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He joined an international team of astronauts to conduct over 30 scientific experiments, including:
Myogenesis research – Studying muscle growth in zero gravity
Digestive studies – Examining digestion in microgravity conditions
Microalgae experiments – Exploring sustainable space farming
Virtual reality simulations – Enhancing astronaut training
This mission not only contributed to global scientific advancements but also marked a significant milestone in India’s growing space legacy. Shukla’s presence on the ISS opened a new chapter for the nation and made every Indian proud.
A Legacy That Inspires
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey proves that space dreams have no boundaries. With vision, discipline, and courage, any dream can become a reality. As he carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians into space, he stands as a true symbol of India’s rising space legacy.