From Fighter Jet Cockpit to the Stars

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a veteran test pilot in the Indian Air Force, is creating history. Once a combat pilot flying Sukhoi-30s, MiG-21s, and Jaguars, he’s now set to become India’s first private citizen to journey to the International Space Station (ISS).

In a short but heartfelt video before lift-off, he says, “Namaste, I’m Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla…” words that carry the weight of a nation’s pride.

Launch Set for June 10, ISS Docking Scheduled June 11

This isn’t a government mission, it’s part of a private project by Axiom Space. The mission, known as Axiom-4 or ‘Mission Akash Ganga’, will launch aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon C213 spacecraft. The rocket is scheduled to take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 10.

After a 28-hour journey, the spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS around 10 PM IST on June 11.

Shukla’s 2,000-Hour Flying Legacy

Lucknow-born Shukla, 39, joined the Indian Air Force in 2006. He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in the past 18 years. He’s tested various aircraft from trainers like the Hawk to massive carriers like the AN-32.

His calm voice and confidence come from years of flying under pressure, qualities that make him an ideal astronaut.

From Reading Rakesh Sharma to Following His Footsteps

Back in 1984, Rakesh Sharma made history as India’s first man in space. That story inspired millions including a young Shubhanshu.

“I used to read about Rakesh Sharma in schoolbooks,” Shukla recalled. “Listening to his experiences deeply moved me.” Now, decades later, Shukla is following the same dream but in a new era of commercial space travel.

Gaganyaan to Akash Ganga: A Twist in His Journey

In 2020, he was selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first planned human spaceflight. But as timelines shifted, another door opened and now he’s part of an international private mission instead.

“Initially, my only dream was to fly. Becoming an astronaut came later,” he said. “However, I consider myself truly lucky to have fulfilled both of my dreams”.

India Watches, the World Cheers

As the countdown begins, the entire nation is watching. This isn’t just a space launch, it’s a symbol of how far India has come. Shukla’s journey touches the skies and stars on the wings of courage, discipline, and a silent ‘Namaste.’