Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is poised to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.

Scheduled for late May 2025, Shukla will be part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private spaceflight operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.

Highlights

• Shukla has undergone extensive astronaut training in India, Russia, and the United States, including simulation exercises, survival training, and spacecraft systems operations.
• The mission is expected to last around 10 days and will involve scientific experiments and international collaboration aboard the ISS.
• The Axiom Mission 4 will be launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

About Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a decorated officer in the Indian Air Force with extensive experience in aviation and flight operations. Known for his discipline, technical proficiency, and leadership, he was selected as part of India’s astronaut training program and has since undergone rigorous international training. His inclusion in the Axiom Mission 4 underscores his expertise and India’s growing role in global space missions.