Shubhanshu Shukla - A Lifestory
From Fighter Cockpit to Spacecraft Command
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s life story is one of quiet determination, discipline, and soaring ambition. Born in Lucknow, he was deeply inspired by the 1999 Kargil War at the age of 14, which ignited his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. At 16, he boldly applied to the National Defence Academy (NDA) without informing his family, and his success came as a surprise to them, marking the start of a remarkable military journey. Known as “Gunjan” to loved ones, he was a studious and introverted child who preferred books on aviation over social gatherings. His early focus and dedication laid the foundation for his future as a skilled test pilot and now, an astronaut.
Despite his growing stature, Shukla has remained deeply grounded. His neighbors and relatives recall his humility, especially after being named one of the four astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan mission in 2024. He is known for his thoughtful and introspective nature, often demonstrating flight principles using paper planes and consistently carrying a Bhagavad Gita and a diary, which serve as sources of focus and inner clarity throughout his journey. With over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft like the Su-30MKI, MiG-21, and Jaguar, he’s earned a reputation for calm under pressure, including safely managing an emergency during a test flight. Now preparing for a mission to the International Space Station, Shukla stands as a symbol of India’s ambition in space and the strength of unwavering focus.
