Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been honoured as Man of the Year by The Week for his role as mission pilot of Axiom-4, marking a milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey.
Shubhanshu Shukla honoured as "Man of the Year" for Axiom-4 Mission (photo: ANI)
The Indian Air Force congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on being honoured as the “Man of the Year” by ‘The Week’ magazine in its 21 December 2025 edition, celebrating his historic achievement as the mission pilot of AXIOM-4 (Ax-4).
The Axiom in Axiom-4 represents the private astronaut mission that is carried out by privates US company Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX and the number 4 stands for the 4th edition of this mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Ax-4 was embarked by 4 astronauts – Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS in history.
Advertisement
Launched in June 2025 aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Axiom-4 made Shukla the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Advertisement
Initially planned for 14 days, the mission ended up being 18 days long, where Shukla carried out various STEM experiments, documented the daily life of astronauts aboard and engaged with students and young scientists back home to inspire them and spark their interests in science and exploration. His safe return showcased not just his personal dedication and skill but also India’s growing presence in space.
Being part of Axiom-4 Mission, India has once again positioned itself as an active contributor to global human spaceflight aligning with plans for Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with focus on India’s broader spaceflight ambitions, including the ongoing Gaganyan programme.
Advertisement
