Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a significant leap forward in its space exploration efforts by selecting Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime Mission Pilot for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This selection comes as part of a new space flight agreement between ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre and Axiom Space Inc., USA.
ISRO announced that the mission’s assigned crewmembers will be formally approved to fly to the ISS by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will commence their training for the mission in the first week of August 2024. During their time aboard the ISS, they will conduct scientific research, demonstrate technology experiments, and engage in space outreach activities. ISRO highlighted the mission’s importance, noting, “The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Programme and will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA.”
This mission follows a collaborative framework established in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the USA. During the visit, ISRO and NASA issued a joint statement envisioning a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the ISS, which set the stage for this partnership.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, has an impressive background as an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006, Shukla has accumulated around 2,000 hours of flight experience as a fighter combat leader and test pilot. His expertise spans a variety of aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan MiG-29, SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE Systems Hawk, Dornier 228, and Antonov An-32.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who will also play a key role in the mission, was born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala. Nair is an NDA alumnus and graduate of the United States Staff College, having been awarded the Sword of Honour from the Air Force Academy. With approximately 3,000 hours of flying experience, Nair is a Category A Flying Instructor and test pilot who has flown aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan MiG-29, BAE Systems Hawk, Dornier 228, and Antonov An-32.
The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant milestone for India’s human spaceflight program and demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities. As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow crew members prepare for this historic journey, their mission is set to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Indian astronauts and space enthusiasts.