7 months ago
IAF's Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra for ISS mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Air Force went to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2025.
He was part of the Axiom-4 crew and spent 18 days in space.
During his time there, he did important experiments that will help future Indian astronauts.
Because of his bravery and hard work, he was awarded the Ashok Chakra, which is India's highest award for bravery in peacetime.
This is a big deal because he is the first Indian to go to the ISS and only the second Indian to go to space.
His journey shows how India is becoming a strong player in space exploration.
The award was approved by President Droupadi Murmu on January 25, 2026, and conferred on January 26, 2026, during the Republic Day celebrations.
His backup crew, Group Captain Prasanth B Nair, was also awarded the Kirti Chakra.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force was awarded the Ashok Chakra for his mission to the ISS.
He became the first Indian in space and the first to board the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 crew in June 2025.
Shukla conducted microgravity experiments that are crucial for future Gaganyaan missions.
His mission involved international collaboration with NASA and other global partners.
Shukla's success has bolstered India's reputation in the global space race and inspired the next generation of explorers.
- Who
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Indian Air Force
- What
- Awarded the Ashok Chakra for his mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
- Where
- International Space Station (ISS) and Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path, New Delhi
- When
- Award approved on January 25, 2026, conferred on January 26, 2026
- Why
- For his bravery and significant contributions to space exploration and India's reputation in the global space race
Key facts
- Name
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Organization
- Indian Air Force
- Mission
- Axiom-4
- Duration
- 18 days
- Location
- International Space Station (ISS)
- Year
- 2025
- Award
- Ashok Chakra
- Significance
- First Indian to board ISS, second Indian in space
- Award Date
- January 25, 2026
- Backup Crew
- Group Captain Prasanth B Nair
- Backup Crew Award
- Kirti Chakra
- Birthdate
- October 10, 1985
- Birthplace
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Flight Experience
- 2,000 hours on various aircraft
Timeline
Shubhanshu Shukla's 18-day space mission aboard the ISS concluded, marking the end of his time in space.
Shubhanshu Shukla's 18-day space mission aboard the ISS concluded, leading to his return to India.
Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India after his 18-day space mission aboard the ISS.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to receive the Ashok Chakra for his 18-day space mission aboard the ISS.
Quotes
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain and astronaut
“This mission is a big achievement for our country, and it has come at the right time. India is on course for its human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, Bharatiya Antariksh Station and eventually landing on the Moon.”
firstpost.com
“Whatever we have learnt from this (Axiom) mission, I think they are very unique and critical for our mission. Our efforts in the coming months and years would be to employ those learnings in our mission.”
firstpost.com
Sources
Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra
Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra; Gallantry honours for 70 Armed Forces personnel announced - Full list
1st Indian on ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra; Kirti Chakra for colleague Prasanth Nair
Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra. Check full list
77th Republic Day: President Murmu approves Gallantry awards to 70 Armed Forces personnel
IAF Shubhanshu Shukla’s 18 Day mission could earn him the Nation’s highest Peacetime Gallantry Award
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla likely to receive Ashok Chakra on Republic Day: Report
Shubhanshu Shukla, second Indian in space, conferred with highest peacetime gallantry award Ashoka Chakra
ISS pioneer Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra
IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla receives Ashoka Chakra for space mission bravery
From shy Lucknow boy to first Indian astronaut on ISS – the trailblazing flight of Shubhanshu Shukla
Republic Day 2026: Ashoka Chakra for astronaut Shubhanshu, Shaurya Chakra for 2 women Navy officers
Republic Day honour: President Murmu confers Ashoka Chakra to Axiom 4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla
Republic Day 2026: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who briefed India on Operation Sindoor, to receive Vishisht Seva Medal
From Cockpit To Cosmos: India Honours Its New Space Heroes
Republic Day 2026: Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra. Who is he and why has he been awarded?
Shubhanshu Shukla conferred Ashoka Chakra award for space mission
Why IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla is only the 2nd astronaut to be awarded Ashoka Chakra
President Droupadi Murmu confers Ashoka Chakra to space hero Shubhanshu Shukla
Republic Day 2026: IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Awarded Ashoka Chakra
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IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashoka Chakra
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