Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla awarded the Ashoka Chakra for historic ISS mission

India’s space journey reached a proud milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a pioneering astronaut of the Indian Air Force, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his exceptional courage and service during the landmark Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. The honour recognises his role in a mission that placed India back in human spaceflight after more than four decades.

The Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, was conferred on Shukla for his bravery and leadership as mission pilot during the Ax-4 mission in June 2025. His participation marked the first Indian visit to the ISS since Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984, reigniting national pride in India’s space ambitions.

A Historic Mission to the ISS

Shukla launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft Grace on June 25, 2025, as part of a multinational crew that included astronauts from Poland and Hungary. The spacecraft docked with the ISS after a demanding 26-hour journey. Over the course of 18 days, the crew carried out more than 60 scientific experiments, seven of which were led by Isro.

Scientific Contributions for the Future

During his stay, Shukla conducted complex research critical to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme. His work included studies on space anaemia and cardiovascular health, examining how prolonged exposure to microgravity affects the human body. He also oversaw materials science experiments on alloy solidification and biological research involving protein crystal growth, vital for drug development. These studies provided essential data for life support systems and future human missions.

From Training to Triumph

A 39-year-old officer from Lucknow, Shukla was selected for the Gaganyaan programme in 2019 and underwent rigorous training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Centre. He returned safely to Earth on July 15, 2025, after orbiting the planet hundreds of times.

A Legacy That Inspires

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shukla for carrying India’s aspirations into space. His Ashoka Chakra stands as a symbol of courage, scientific excellence and India’s growing presence beyond Earth.