Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach space since 1984; Launch marks a historic Indo-global collaboration with NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX

25 June 2025, New Delhi

India celebrated a proud moment today as Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force embarked on a historic journey to space as part of the Ax-04 mission. Launched from Florida, the mission is a collaborative effort between NASA, ISRO, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Subhanshu is now the first Indian in 41 years to reach space since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.

Subhanshu was born on October 10, 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh before joining the Indian Air Force in June 2006. As a fighter pilot, he has completed numerous critical missions and amassed over 2000 flying hours on the Sukhoi-30, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and AN-32, and others.

In 2019, Subhanshu completed a year-long advanced spaceflight training program at Russia’s prestigious Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named him as one of the selected astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, based on his technical and operational excellence.

Speaking about his selection for the Ax-04 mission just a week before departure, Subhanshu shared his emotions: “It was an incredible moment. To be chosen for my first spaceflight felt surreal. More than just a personal milestone, this is a chance to become a role model for India’s youth. If my story inspires even one child, I will consider my mission successful.”

Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut herself, praised Subhanshu’s professionalism and skill. “Having someone as technically adept and experienced as Subhanshu in the Dragon capsule is a huge asset. His operational background adds great strength to our crew,” she noted.

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The Ax-04 crew consists of Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Europe) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Subhanshu Shukla (India). This mission will accomplish important science aboard the ISS to study the feasibility of human life being sustained in space for an extended period of time.

With this launch, Subhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to space since 1984, marking a significant leap forward in India’s space ambitions. His journey is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for a nation eager to expand its footprint in global space exploration.

Also Read: ‘He Carries India’s Hopes’: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Hail Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission to ISS