Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 mission. He will launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center soon.
Shukla isn’t just bringing scientific equipment—he’s also packing a taste of India. His space menu includes aam ras (mango pulp), moong dal halwa, and gajar halwa, offering a cultural and culinary connection to home while aboard the International Space Station.
On April 3, 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian to travel to space, flying aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 as part of the Interkosmos programme. Now, more than 40 years later, India marks another historic milestone. On June 9, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) will pilot the Axiom Mission-4 (@Axiom_Space) to the International Space Station (@Space_Station), representing India on a global stage.
From Rakesh Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s journey among the stars continues. This isn’t just a mission—it’s a moment of national pride, international partnership, and scientific progress.