Who is Shubhanshu Shukla: The IAF Test Pilot Selected for Axiom Mission 4

The Inspiring Journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla completed his schooling at City Montessori School, Aliganj. The 1999 Kargil War deeply inspired him, motivating him to pursue a career in defense.
Cleared the UPSC NDA examination on his own, showcasing his determination.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2005.
Joined the Indian Air Force Academy and was commissioned as a Flying Officer in 2006, specializing in fighter aircraft.

Indian Air Force Career
With over 2,000 hours of flying experience, Shukla is a highly skilled test pilot who has flown various advanced aircraft, including:
Su-30 MKI
MiG-21 & MiG-29
Jaguar & Hawk
Dornier 228 & An-32
His expertise in aviation made him an ideal candidate for India’s Human Spaceflight Programme.

Historic Selection for Axiom Mission 4
Shubhanshu Shukla has been chosen as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, a collaborative mission involving NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
Mission Commander: Peggy Whitson (NASA)
Mission Specialists: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski & Tibor Kapu
Backup Crew: Prasanth Nair (ISRO astronaut)

Key Highlights of the Mission:
If successful, Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS.
The mission strengthens international cooperation in space exploration.
The estimated cost for his seat is around $60 million (₹500 crore).

Personal Life and Interests
Married to Dr. Kamna Mishra, his schoolmate and a dentist by profession.
They have a son together.
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, is a retired government officer, while his mother, Asha Shukla, is a homemaker.
He has two elder sisters—Nidhi (MBA graduate) and Suchi Mishra (school teacher).
Hobbies & Interests:
Enjoys physical fitness and reading science books.
Recently developed an interest in horoscopes, despite being agnostic.
Passionate about astrophotography.


Sample Questions & Answers (For Competitive Exams)
Q1. Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
A1. He is an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut selected for India’s Human Spaceflight Programme and Axiom Mission 4.
Q2. Which mission will make Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian to visit the ISS?
A2. Axiom Mission 4, a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
Q3. What inspired Shubhanshu Shukla to join the Indian Air Force?
A3. The 1999 Kargil War motivated him to pursue a career in defense.
Q4. How many hours of flying experience does Shukla have?
A4. Approximately 2,000 hours across various fighter and transport aircraft.
Q5. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla’s backup for Axiom Mission 4?
A5. Prasanth Nair, another ISRO astronaut.