Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla's journey into the skies began early. He completed his schooling at the renowned City Montessori School before joining the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2005, where he earned a B.Sc. in Computer Science.
His passion for aviation led him to the Indian Air Force Academy, where he completed rigorous flying training and was commissioned into the fighter stream in June 2006. Over the years, he accumulated nearly 2,000 flying hours on some of the Indian Air Force's most advanced aircraft, including the Su‑30MKI, MiG‑21 and MiG‑29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An‑32.
In 2019, his career reached new heights when he was selected as part of India’s first group of Vyomanauts (astronauts), undergoing intensive training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s own Vyomanaut complex in Bengaluru.
He also holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, further solidifying his place among India’s most elite space pioneers.
A Loving Family & Lifelong Partner
Shubhanshu is married to Dr. Kamna Shukla, his childhood friend and classmate from Lucknow. Kamna is a dentist and the two have a young son around six years old.
Before launch, Shubhanshu shared a heartfelt note to Kamna, who spoke publicly of his “goofiness” and their shared journey—from primary school classmates to space pioneer and supportive spouse.
What’s His Net Worth?
Exact net worth isn't publicly confirmed.
Estimations place his net worth between USD 5–8 million, based on salary, allowances, astronaut training, and future roles with ISRO/Axiom.
India funded his seat on Ax‑4 at approximately $60–65 million (₹500–550 crore).
Role in Axiom Mission 4
Trained as the Mission Pilot aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule “Grace,” launching from the Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, docking on June 26.
Shubhanshu is also the 634th astronaut in history and the first Indian on the ISS.
Over two weeks, he’s conducting over 60 scientific experiments—from microgravity’s impact on algae and human physiology to AI-enhanced monitoring of life-support systems—valuable for both ISRO’s Gaganyaan-4 and future space programmes.
Residing on initial nights aboard the Dragon, he settled in seamlessly with support from ISS Expedition 73 team.
Shubhanshu’s mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soyuz flight—this time aboard a private Axiom/SpaceX mission.
It signifies a powerful collaboration between ISRO and global commercial space initiatives. ISRO is closely observing from Houston—a learning curve for India’s future missions.
Shubhanshu Shukla is not just a pilot or astronaut—he’s a symbol of a new India: rooted in its armed forces, soaring into commercial space, and building independence in human spaceflight.
Alongside his wife, Kamna, and their son, he stands as a testament to personal dedication, national ambition, and scientific vision.
