Shubhanshu Shukla Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, nicknamed "Shux," is a distinguished Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He made history as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station, marking India's return to space after 41 years. As a seasoned combat leader and test pilot, Shux boasts over 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and Jaguar. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he independently cleared the UPSC NDA examination and has become a symbol of India's space ambitions.
Early Life & Education of Shubhanshu Shukla
• Shux was born in Lucknow and completed his schooling at the prestigious City Montessori School, Aliganj, where his academic foundation was built.
• He was deeply inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, which motivated him to independently apply for and successfully clear the UPSC NDA examination.
• Shubhanshu completed his military training and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy in 2005.
Military Career & Achievements of Shubhanshu Shukla
• He was commissioned into the IAF fighter wing in June 2006 and quickly established himself as an exceptional pilot and combat leader.
• Shux achieved the prestigious rank of Group Captain in March 2024, reflecting his exceptional contributions to the Indian Air Force.
• As a fighter combat test pilot, he has accumulated over 2,000 hours flying Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32 aircraft.
Space Career & Training of Shubhanshu Shukla
• In 2019, Shubhanshu was selected by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine for India's Human Spaceflight Programme, marking the beginning of his space journey.
• He completed rigorous basic training at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center by 2021, followed by advanced training at Bengaluru's facility.
• In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named him among four astronaut-designates for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2026.
Historic Axiom Mission 4 for Shubhanshu Shukla
• Shux serves as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.
• The mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, with the crew docking at the International Space Station after a 28-hour journey.
• To make his journey comfortable, ISRO prepared special Indian food items including halwa, aam ras, and rice for his space mission.
Awards & Recognitions received by Shubhanshu Shukla
• Shubhanshu was promoted to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024, recognizing his outstanding service and leadership in the Indian Air Force.
• He received national recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally named him as one of the four astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan mission.
• ISRO officially selected him as the pilot for the historic Axiom Mission 4, marking a milestone collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
Lesser Known Facts about Shubhanshu Shukla
• NASA insiders affectionately call Shux "wicked smart" and praise his ability to blend IAF discipline with International Space Station technical expertise.
• His nickname "Shux" is widely used among his peers, and he's known for his transition from dogfights to docking maneuvers with remarkable skill.
• The mission represents a significant milestone as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station in over four decades.
Personal Life of Shubhanshu Shukla
• Shubhanshu possesses fluency in both English and his native Hindi, making him an effective communicator in international space collaborations.
• He has expressed his desire to "ignite curiosity among children" through his space achievements, showing his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
• Born and raised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he represents the aspirations of millions of Indian youth who dream of reaching for the stars.