Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station, has been recommended for the Ashok Chakra for displaying exceptional courage during the Axiom-4 mission. Spending nearly 20 days aboard the ISS, he conducted over 60 complex scientific experiments under extreme conditions.
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New Delhi: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been nominated for the Ashoka Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award. He has been recommended for this honor for displaying exceptional courage, presence of mind, and mental fortitude during his historic and challenging space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shubhanshu Shukla also became the first Indian to visit the ISS, establishing a new identity for India on the international stage.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space on June 25, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He arrived at the ISS with three other astronauts. He is the second Indian astronaut to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, but holds the distinction of being the first Indian to reach the ISS.
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Shubhanshu Shukla spent nearly 20 days aboard the International Space Station and returned safely to Earth on July 14. During this time, he conducted over 60 scientific experiments. These experiments covered key areas such as biomedical science, neuroscience, agriculture, space technology, and advanced materials science. This research is expected to provide new directions for future space missions and scientific development on Earth.
While aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla faced significant challenges, including microgravity, radiation exposure, physical stress, muscle atrophy, and mental strain. Despite this, he displayed exceptional courage and composure throughout the mission. Even under difficult circumstances, he performed every responsibility with utmost dedication and vigilance, demonstrating his valor and leadership qualities.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been recommended for the Ashoka Chakra for displaying exceptional bravery, resilience, and mental fortitude in a hostile and dangerous environment like space. This honor is considered a symbol of supreme courage in peacetime.
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Shubhanshu Shukla is originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his 12th grade, he passed the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam and graduated from there. He joined the Indian Air Force in 2006. In 2019, he was selected as an astronaut for the Gaganyaan mission. Today, his journey has become an inspiration for the youth of the country.
