India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to etch his name in the history books as the first Indian pilot to embark on a space mission as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla, an accomplished Indian Air Force pilot with over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft such as the Su-30 and MiG-29, was selected for this mission after extensive training under India’s Gaganyaan program and international astronaut programs.
The Axiom-4 mission, launched in partnership with SpaceX and NASA, aims to conduct critical experiments in microgravity, including studies on muscle regeneration, crop growth, and advanced medical research. Shukla’s role as a mission pilot underscores India’s growing contributions to global space exploration and technology.
“I am honored to represent my country and bring back invaluable knowledge that will strengthen India’s future in space,” Shukla said before the mission.
The mission was originally scheduled for June 10 but was delayed due to technical issues with the launch vehicle. Engineers are currently working on resolving a liquid-oxygen leak before announcing a new launch date.
This milestone not only highlights Shukla’s personal achievements but also reflects India’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration.
