NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
August 2, 2024: In a significant milestone for India’s space exploration efforts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime mission pilot for an upcoming joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This collaboration marks a key moment in the deepening partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Shukla is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, he has excelled in the fighter stream and is recognized as a Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot. With approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience, his expertise is now set to propel him into space, making him a pivotal figure in India’s burgeoning human spaceflight program.
This historic mission stems from a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) signed between ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and Axiom Space Inc., a NASA-identified service provider. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla, along with a backup pilot, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, will undergo rigorous training beginning in the first week of August 2024.
Once approved by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), Shukla will embark on a journey to the ISS, where he will conduct scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space outreach activities. The mission promises to yield valuable insights for India’s human space program while also reinforcing the collaborative ties between ISRO and NASA.
Shukla’s selection as the prime pilot for this mission is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the potential of India’s space ambitions. His journey from the skies of India to the vast expanse of space will not only inspire millions but also pave the way for future advancements in Indian space exploration.4o