From Lucknow to launchpad! Here's why UP boy 'Shubhanshu Shukla' is going to space next month

India’s return to human spaceflight

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025, marking India’s first human space mission since Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984.

Background and selection of Shukla

Born in Lucknow in 1985, Shukla is a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned in 2006 and was announced as one of four astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission in 2024. In August 2024, he was chosen as the prime astronaut for the Ax-4 mission.

Duration and purpose of the Ax-4 mission


As part of Axiom Mission-4, Shukla will spend 14 days aboard the ISS. His mission will involve conducting a series of scientific experiments across multiple disciplines in collaboration with international partners.

Studying tardigrades in space

One key experiment involves observing tardigrades, microscopic organisms known for their resilience. The study will focus on their survival, gene expression, and reproduction in a microgravity environment.

Research on space-based agriculture


Shukla will also test the viability of growing crops in microgravity. This experiment aims to support future space missions that require sustainable food sources over long durations.

Human-computer interaction studies


Another area of research will examine how astronauts interact with machines in weightlessness. The goal is to improve user interface design for more effective operation and safety in space missions.

A multinational collaboration

The Ax-4 mission is a joint effort between ISRO, NASA, and the European Space Agency, with participation from astronauts representing India, the United States, Hungary, and Poland. The mission highlights growing international cooperation in space science.