With love from Lucknow: Meet Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla headed to space
In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).Slated for launch on 8 June 2025 as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla's journey signifies India's reentry into human spaceflight after more than four decades. He will pilot the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and dock with the ISS on a 14 day mission. advertisementEarly Life and Career
Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla's fascination with the skies began early.Educated at City Montessori School, his aspirations took flight following the 1999 Kargil War, inspiring him to pursue a career in the armed forces. At 16, he applied to the National Defence Academy (NDA) without informing his parents, a decision that set him on a path to the stars.Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fighter pilot on 17 June 2006, Shukla has amassed over 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk.
Gp Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla during a medical test. (Photo: IAF)
advertisementHis expertise led him to become a test pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader, roles that show his proficiency and dedication and the bravery to fly in systems never tested before, take them to the limit and make them better.Astronaut Selection and TrainingShukla's journey to space was formalised in 2019 when he was selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission.He underwent rigorous training at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, completing it in 2021.Further training at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore and a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore equipped him for the challenges ahead.Axiom Mission 4: A Collaborative EndeavourAxiom Mission 4 is a big collaboration between Indian space agency Isro, Nasa, and private company Axiom Space. The mission will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, the historic site of the Apollo 11 mission. Shukla will be part of a four-member crew, including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. During his 14-day stay aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct five scientific experiments in partnership with NASA, focusing on areas such as space agriculture. He will also lead seven experiments designed by Isro.Additionally, he is scheduled to interact with students across India through a live broadcast from the ISS, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.Personal Life and LegacyadvertisementShukla is married to Dr. Kamna, a dentist, and they have a son. His family, including his parents and two elder sisters, have been pillars of support throughout his journey. As Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on this historic mission, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. His journey from the classrooms of Lucknow to the vast expanse of space exemplifies the spirit of exploration and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for India's space endeavours.Must Watch
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