Shubhanshu Shukla biography covers India’s first ISS astronaut. Learn about his age, wife Kamna, Axiom-4 mission, Ashoka Chakra award, and Gaganyaan role.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla biography chronicles the extraordinary journey of India’s space pioneer. Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). At 39 years old in 2025, he became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station and only the second Indian to travel to outer space.
Shukla’s historic Axiom Mission 4 flight in June 2025 came 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s legendary 1984 journey aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11. This milestone marked India’s triumphant return to human spaceflight. His 18-day mission aboard the ISS involved conducting over 60 scientific experiments in microgravity conditions.
The fighter pilot turned astronaut represents the pinnacle of Indian aerospace achievement. With over 2,000 hours of flight experience across advanced combat aircraft, Shukla embodies the discipline and technical excellence that define India’s elite military aviators.
In January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, upon Shukla during the 77th Republic Day celebrations for his exemplary courage during the historic ISS mission.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shubhanshu Shukla |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Place of Birth | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Current Rank | Group Captain, Indian Air Force |
| Profession | Fighter Pilot, Test Pilot, Astronaut |
| Wife | Dr. Kamna Shukla (married 2009) |
| Children | Son Kiyas (born 2020) |
| Father | Shambhu Dayal Shukla (retired government officer) |
| Mother | Asha Shukla (homemaker) |
| Siblings | Two elder sisters (Nidhi and Shuchi) |
| Education | NDA, IISc Bangalore (M.Tech Aerospace Engineering) |
| Major Award | Ashoka Chakra (2026) |
| Historic Achievement | First Indian to visit ISS (2025) |
Early Life and Background
Shubhanshu Shukla was born into a middle-class family in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, served as a government officer, whilst his mother Asha managed the household. Growing up in the Triveni Nagar neighbourhood, young Shubhanshu developed a keen interest in technology and aviation from an early age.
As the youngest of three siblings, Shukla grew up with two elder sisters, Nidhi (who holds an MBA) and Shuchi (a teacher). His childhood was marked by curiosity and academic excellence. The family nickname “Shux” stuck with him throughout his life, later becoming his call sign in aviation circles.
The 1999 Kargil War proved to be a defining moment for the teenager. Watching Indian soldiers’ heroic actions during the conflict ignited his determination to serve the nation. This inspiration drove him to pursue a career in the armed forces, eventually leading him to the skies and beyond.
Educational Background
Shukla received his early education at City Montessori School in Aliganj, Lucknow, where he excelled academically and displayed a strong aptitude for science. His dream of joining the armed forces led him to prepare for the National Defence Academy entrance examination.
Without any coaching assistance, Shukla cleared the highly competitive UPSC NDA examination through self-study. He enrolled at the National Defence Academy in Pune, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 2005. Following NDA, he trained at the Indian Air Force Academy before being commissioned as a Flying Officer in June 2006.
He later earned a Master of Technology degree in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, providing him with the theoretical foundation essential for test pilot duties and astronaut training.
Career Journey
Shukla’s military career began when he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006. Over nearly two decades, he developed expertise flying some of the most advanced aircraft in India’s arsenal, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29, MiG-21, SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE Hawk, Dornier 228, and Antonov An-32.
His progression through the ranks reflected consistent excellence. Promoted to Wing Commander in June 2019, he further advanced to Group Captain in March 2024. As a qualified test pilot, Shukla accumulated over 2,000 hours of flight experience, demonstrating exceptional skills in combat operations and flight testing. Reports indicate his involvement in critical missions, including operations during heightened tensions with Pakistan.
The turning point came in 2019 when the Institute of Aerospace Medicine shortlisted Shukla for ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Programme. Selected as one of four astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, he underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, from February 2020 to March 2021. On 27 February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced Shukla as one of the Gaganyaan astronaut team members.
In August 2024, ISRO named Shukla as the prime astronaut and mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4. The historic launch occurred on 25 June 2025 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft “Grace” successfully docked with the ISS on 26 June 2025. Shukla became the 634th person to reach the station.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Graduated from NDA | B.Sc. in Computer Science |
| 2006 | Commissioned into IAF | Flying Officer in fighter stream |
| 2019 | Selected for Gaganyaan | One of four astronauts chosen |
| 2020-2021 | Training in Russia | Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center |
| 2024 | Promoted to Group Captain | Senior IAF rank |
| 2024 | Named Axiom-4 mission pilot | ISRO announcement |
| June 2025 | Launched to ISS | First Indian to visit ISS |
| July 2025 | Returned to Earth | Completed 18-day mission |
| January 2026 | Awarded Ashoka Chakra | Highest peacetime gallantry award |
Personal Life and Relationships
Shukla married his childhood sweetheart, Dr. Kamna Mishra, in 2009. The couple first met at City Montessori School in Class 3. Kamna is a qualified dentist who has been Shukla’s steadfast companion throughout his demanding military and space career.
The couple welcomed their son, Kiyas, in 2020. Before his historic ISS launch, emotional farewells with his wife and son captured national attention, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in space exploration. The family resides in India, where Shukla continues his duties whilst preparing for future space missions.
Major Achievements
Shukla’s achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station stands as his crowning accomplishment. During his 18-day mission, he conducted over 60 scientific experiments involving contributions from 31 countries. Seven experiments were specifically designated by ISRO, focusing on space agriculture, biotechnology, and health sciences.
The Ashoka Chakra awarded in January 2026 represents India’s highest recognition for peacetime gallantry. President Droupadi Murmu conferred this honour during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The citation recognised Shukla’s “indomitable courage and outstanding valour” during the Axiom-4 mission.
As a fighter pilot, Shukla logged over 2,000 hours across multiple aircraft types. He is the first person in his family to join the armed forces, making his achievements particularly significant.
Final Thoughts
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey from the streets of Lucknow to the International Space Station embodies the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. His historic mission has reinvigorated India’s human spaceflight ambitions and positioned the nation as a serious player in global space exploration.
The Ashoka Chakra recognition acknowledges the collective efforts of ISRO, the Indian Air Force, and countless scientists who made this mission possible. Shukla’s success serves as a stepping stone for the Gaganyaan programme, which will send Indian astronauts to space aboard an indigenously developed spacecraft.
For young Indians aspiring to careers in aerospace, Shukla represents proof that determination and service can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
FAQs About Shubhanshu Shukla
How old is Shubhanshu Shukla in 2025?
Shubhanshu Shukla is 39 years old in 2025, having been born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow. He turned 40 in October 2025.
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla’s wife?
Shubhanshu Shukla is married to Dr. Kamna Shukla (née Mishra), a dentist from Lucknow. They married in 2009 and have a son named Kiyas born in 2020.
What award did Shubhanshu Shukla receive?
Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on Republic Day 2026 for his historic ISS mission.
Which mission did Shubhanshu Shukla pilot?
Shubhanshu Shukla served as mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launching to the ISS on 25 June 2025 and returning on 15 July 2025.
Is Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian in space?
Shubhanshu Shukla is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma (1984), but he is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
What is Shubhanshu Shukla’s rank in the Indian Air Force?
Shubhanshu Shukla holds the rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, having been promoted to this position in March 2024.
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