In a thrilling new chapter for India's space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the second Indian to travel into space. Almost 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic mission, Shukla will serve as the lead astronaut on the Axiom-4 mission, a joint venture between Axiom Space and NASA, to be launched by SpaceX.

The Axiom-4 Mission: An International Effort

The Axiom-4 mission, featuring astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the United States, highlights an extraordinary international collaboration. The agreement for India’s participation was sealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States last year. It signifies a new era of Indo-US space cooperation.

Shubhanshu Shukla: A Decorated Air Force Pilot

Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Shubhanshu Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, Shukla is not only a fighter pilot but also a Fighter Combat Leader and test pilot.

Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair: The Backup Astronaut

Serving as Shukla’s backup is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair from Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala. Nair, a recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy, has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has served as a Category-A flying instructor, test pilot, and commander of a Sukhoi-30 squadron. His training at prestigious institutions, including the United States Staff College, underscores his extensive expertise.


Rakesh Sharma: India's first man in space (Source: Google Images)

Preparing for the Mission: Rigorous Training Ahead

Selected for the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla and Nair are among four Indian Air Force officers shortlisted for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for next year. Their training will intensify over the next eight weeks, preparing them for the historic journey ahead. Both officers have already undergone rigorous preparation.

Mission Details: A Glimpse into the Future

The Axiom-4 spacecraft will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) for 14 days, carrying astronauts along with cargo and supplies. While the exact launch date is yet to be finalized, NASA’s website suggests a timeframe no earlier than October 2024, with indications from Poland’s space agency that the mission might occur next year. 

NASA Chief Bill Nelson has extended his congratulations to ISRO on its selection of astronauts for the upcoming mission. In a statement on social media, Nelson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Congratulations, @ISRO. We look forward to welcoming the first ISRO astronaut to the International Space Station! This is a monumental step forward for the US-India partnership in space."

Learning from Axiom-4

The Gaganyaan mission will significantly benefit from the experience gained through the Axiom-4 mission. ISRO Chairman Somanath emphasized the mutual benefits of the Indo-US collaboration, noting how this mission will enhance the Gaganyaan project by integrating advanced training and insights from the ISS. 

A Leap Forward for Indian Space Exploration

Shubhanshu Shukla's forthcoming mission represents a major advancement in India's space exploration efforts, highlighting the nation's expanding role in the global space arena. Building on the foundation laid by Rakesh Sharma, the Axiom-4 mission showcases India's ambitious goals in space and the strength of international cooperation.