India's
Cosmic Leap
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian to live and work on the International Space Station, carrying India’s aspirations into orbit on Axiom Mission 4. He’s the second Indian in space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew to space about four decades ago.
meet the
astronaut
Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
aka “Shux”
A decorated Indian Air Force pilot and test pilot, Shukla is known for staying calm under pressure and his technical expertise.
Born: Lucknow, 1985
Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, he dreamed of flying and followed his ambitions into the cockpit and beyond.
He has flown over 2,000 hours on advanced jets like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and MiG-29, and was selected for India’s Gaganyaan astronaut program in 2019.
fun fact
After Rakesh Sharma in 1984, Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space.
Card 1
Captain Shukla's
Timeline
2019
Selected as astronaut
Shukla chosen for India’s Gaganyaan program, beginning his journey to space.
2024
Named Ax-4 pilot
Selected as the pilot for Axiom’s international mission.
June2025
Launch, 14 days on ISS, splashdown
The mission launches, completes two weeks of science and outreach, and returns safely to Earth.
Card 6
Training for Space
Shukla trained at world-class facilities, from Russia’s Star City to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, learning everything from spacecraft systems to international teamwork.
His regimen included mastering Crew Dragon simulators, performing emergency and survival drills, and adapting to zero-gravity in parabolic flights.
In the last 2 weeks before their space flight, the crew entered strict quarantine, ate easily digestible, immunity-boosting meals, and focused on psychological readiness for the mission.
Training for Space
Shukla trained at world-class facilities, from Russia’s Star City to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, learning everything from spacecraft systems to international teamwork.
His regimen included mastering Crew Dragon simulators, performing emergency and survival drills, and adapting to zero-gravity in parabolic flights.
In the last 2 weeks, the crew entered strict quarantine, ate easily digestible, immunity-boosting meals, and focused on psychological readiness for the mission.
Ax-4 crew members Tibor Kapu, Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański, Shubhanshu Shukla during underwater training.
Axiom-4 Crew Trains at NASA Marshall
Assigned Ax-4 crew member Shubhanshu Shukla dressed in a black flight suit, grey aviation helmet, and oxygen mask, lifts four fingers to the camera.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Axiom Mission 4 approaches the International Space Station
The Axiom Mission 4 private astronauts gather inside the International Space StationFood: On Earth
& In Orbit
Shukla’s pre-launch diet was designed to reduce digestive issues and boost immunity, with a gradual shift toward space-style food textures.
In Space Shukla enjoyed Indian favorites like moong dal halwa, mango nectar, and rice, specially developed by ISRO/DRDO for space, alongside NASA’s international menu.
Shukla led experiments to sprout and study Indian seeds in microgravity, paving the way for sustainable food production on future missions.
The Mission: Axiom 4
Launch: June 25, 2025, Kennedy Space Center
A historic liftoff from Florida, watched live by millions in India and around the world.
Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon (C213, maiden flight)
The capsule features advanced touchscreens, autonomous docking, and robust safety systems, making it one of the most sophisticated spacecraft ever flown.
14 days on the International Space Station
The crew spent two weeks in orbit, conducting science and outreach
The mission
60+ experiments, 7 from India:
The mission was packed with research, including Indian-led studies on plant growth, microalgae, and human health.
60+ experiments, 7 from India:
Experiments ranged from growing crops in microgravity to studying how space affects muscles, sleep, and the immune system.
Live: Calls with Indian students
Shukla connected live from the ISS with schools across India, inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Meet the crew
Shubhanshu ShuklaFirst Indian on ISS
He represents India’s leap into international human spaceflight and scientific research.
Shubhanshu Shukla
Peggy WhitsonMost experienced US astronaut
With over 675 days in space, Whitson brought expertise and leadership to the mission.
Peggy Whitson
Sławosz Uznański-WiśniewskiFirst Pole on ISS
A European Space Agency astronaut and engineer, Uznański has a strong science and tech background.
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski
Tibor KapuFirst Hungarian on ISS
Kapu is a scientist-astronaut who focused on experiments to benefit future space missions.
Tibor Kapu
Mascot
The crew’s swan mascot, “Joy,” floated alongside them, symbolizing peace and unity.
The mission paves the way for India’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, targeted for 2027.
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, connecting live from the ISS, interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28, 2025.
PM Modi
What was your first thought after seeing the magnitude of space?
Captain Shukla
After seeing the Earth from outside, the first thought that came to mind was that the Earth looks completely one, no border is visible from outside. No state exists, and no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it.