President Murmu Confers Ashoka Chakra on India’s Space Hero Shubhanshu Shukla
President Murmu awards Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut on the ISS.
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the prestigious Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at the Republic Day celebrations held on Kartavya Path, Delhi. Shukla made history as the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom-4 mission in June 2025.
Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s voyage aboard the Russian Soyuz in 1984. His 18-day mission involved conducting advanced experiments and scientific research, which drew recognition from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and global space experts.
A fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours of flight experience across aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, Shukla has a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force since his commissioning in June 2006. His expertise contributed significantly to the mission’s success, cementing India’s presence in human space exploration.
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The Axiom-4 mission, executed by the US-based private firm Axiom Space, involved collaboration with NASA, ESA, and ISRO. Shukla’s achievements not only highlight India’s growing space capabilities but also inspire future generations of scientists, pilots, and explorers.
Hailing from Lucknow, Shukla’s feat has made him a household name, with his meticulous execution of experiments and operations aboard the ISS setting a benchmark for international space missions. The Ashoka Chakra recognizes his extraordinary courage, skill, and service to the nation in the frontier of human spaceflight.
Experts say Shukla’s recognition underscores India’s growing role in the global space community and marks a historic milestone for the country’s human spaceflight program. His award on Republic Day serves as a symbol of India’s technological prowess and the valor of its astronauts.
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