New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla will lead the upcoming joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with the United States. The Human Space Flight Centre of ISRO has formalised a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc., USA, for the Axiom-4 mission.
As part of the mission, Shubanshu Shukla has been assigned as the primary astronaut, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will serve as his back-up. The selection was made by the National Mission Assignment Board, which marks a crucial step towards India’s participation in the prestigious ISS programme.
“The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024,” ISRO said in a statement. During the mission, the Gaganyatris will conduct specific scientific research, carry out technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS and will participate in space outreach activities, News 18 reported.
Who is Shubanshu Shukla?
Hailing from Lucknow, Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla, a distinguished alumnus of City Montessori School in Aliganj, has been chosen for the prestigious Indo-US mission to the International Space Station. With over 16 years of service and 2,000 flying hours under his belt, Shubanshu has established himself as a seasoned fighter pilot.
Shukla was born into a family with no prior military background and he is fondly known as Gunjan, who has carved his own path and became the first in his family to join the armed forces. A devoted father to a four-year-old son, his family is extremely happy about his selection for the historic mission.
A decorated career
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 17, 2006, Shubanshu has had a remarkable career, which was marked by numerous achievements. He has excelled as a fighter combat leader and test pilot, with extensive experience in operating various aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, MIG-21, MIG-29, Jaguar and Hawk.
In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Shubanshu’s selection, along with three other astronauts, for the Gaganyaan mission. The team will embark on ISRO’s maiden crewed space mission to low Earth orbit. Recently, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh revealed in the Lok Sabha that ISRO has collaborated with NASA and Axiom Space for this groundbreaking joint mission.