Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla: From Fighter Pilot to Space Explorer.

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla is an accomplished Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, commissioned fighter pilot, and test pilot who has taken India’s aviation legacy to new heights. In June 2025, he became an astronaut aboard Axiom-4, India’s milestone mission to the International Space Station (ISS). His journey reflects a rare blend of discipline, courage, and pioneering spirit.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla grew up with a passion for flying and a determination to serve the nation. His path to the skies began at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), where he trained rigorously before being commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2006.

Distinguished Military Career

As a fighter pilot, Shukla gained immense operational experience, flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the IAF’s fleet. Over the years, he logged more than 2,000 flight hours across multiple platforms, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk. His exceptional skill and dedication earned him a reputation as a highly capable and dependable pilot.

Excellence as a Test Pilot

Shukla’s expertise extended beyond combat flying. As a test pilot, he mastered the art of evaluating advanced aircraft and operating in complex environments—skills that later proved crucial in his selection for spaceflight. His ability to handle high-pressure scenarios and cutting-edge technology made him stand out among peers.

Path to Space

In 2019, Shukla’s career took a historic turn when he was selected by the IAF for astronaut training. He underwent rigorous preparation at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, where he trained extensively in space systems, survival techniques, and mission simulations.

He was also chosen as one of the four astronauts for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, India’s first human spaceflight mission aimed at sending astronauts into low Earth orbit. This marked his formal entry into the nation’s ambitious journey toward human space exploration.

The Axiom-4 Mission

Building on this foundation, Shukla was later named a primary crew member for Axiom-4, a collaborative mission to the International Space Station. The mission, launched on June 25, 2025, positioned him as the second Indian astronaut to travel into space—an extraordinary achievement for both him and the country.

Space Mission and Legacy

Aboard the ISS, Shukla’s responsibilities include conducting scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and research activities designed to support both India’s future missions and global space exploration goals.

His story—from a boy in Lucknow with dreams of flying, to a fighter pilot, test pilot, and ultimately an astronaut—serves as a powerful source of inspiration. Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla embodies the spirit of perseverance, discipline, and national pride, while also symbolizing India’s growing role in human spaceflight and cutting-edge science.

As India’s footprint in space continues to expand, Shukla’s journey stands as a testament to the country’s progress and a beacon for the generations that follow.