Dear Friend,
As you are aware, India experienced a historic moment in July 2025. Astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to work aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Smiling and waving, Group Captain Shukla emerged from the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying him and the rest of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew when it splashed down off the coast of Southern California in the U.S.A. on July 15, 2025, after an 18-day stay aboard the ISS. His journey—from a quiet student in Lucknow to a pioneering astronaut—offers powerful lessons for you striving to crack UPSC CSE and other competitive exams.
Born in 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Group Captain Shukla grew up in a middle-class family with no military background. A quiet and observant student at school, he nurtured a fascination for aviation and defence. His turning point came during the 1999 Kargil War and an Indian Air Force airshow that ignited a fire within him. At just 17, he secretly applied to the National Defence Academy (NDA) using a friend’s form, without telling his parents. That bold move changed his life. This shows that your background doesn’t define your future. What matters is your vision and courage to act, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Once selected for the NDA, Group Captain Shukla embraced a life of rigorous discipline and service. He trained at the Air Force Academy and was commissioned into the fighter stream in 2006. Over the years, he flew advanced aircraft like the Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar, logging over 2,000 flying hours. He didn’t stop there. He pursued a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bengaluru, one of India’s top research institutions. This makes it amply clear that success demands consistent effort and academic excellence. Whether it’s mastering Current Affairs or Ancient History, your commitment to learning will shape your destiny.
Group Captain Shukla’s role as a test pilot placed him at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation. His technical expertise and calm under pressure made him a natural choice for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. In 2019, he was selected for astronaut training in Russia. He underwent survival drills, microgravity simulations, and spacecraft systems training. Later, he trained with NASA and Axiom Space for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS. This tells you that technical mastery isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about understanding systems deeply.
The big day came on June 25, 2025, when Group Captain Shukla was launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as the designated pilot for Ax-4. After a 28-hour flight, he docked with the ISS and spent 14 days conducting microgravity experiments for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These included studies on muscle regeneration, algae cultivation, crop resilience, and human physiology. His work will directly support India’s Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2027. His journey shows that every challenge you overcome today contributes to a larger mission of tomorrow. Your success in your coveted competitive exam could be the first step towards solving real-world problems—whether in space, administration, police, foreign service, technology or any other domain.
In a video from the ISS, Group Captain Shukla shared his struggles to remain still in microgravity. He said, “Any small disturbance can move your body in space. Kind of like our minds in this fast-moving world. Take some time to be still today”. This reflection is profound. In a world of distractions, stillness is a skill. For you as an IAS aspirant, it means cultivating mental clarity and focus. Learn to quieten the noise. Whether it’s social media or self-doubt, your ability to focus will determine your performance.
Group Captain Shukla’s journey was supported by mentors, family, and institutions like ISRO, IAF and IISc. His elder sister played a key role in shielding his NDA secret until success could speak for itself. His wife, Dr. Kamna Shukla, a dentist, and young son continue to be his pillars of strength. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Seek mentors, teachers, and peers who challenge and uplift you. Moreover, his mission wasn’t just personal—it was national. He carried the hopes of over 1.4 billion Indians into orbit. Similarly, your success is never just yours. It’s a contribution to your family, your community, and your country. Let that sense of purpose fuel your preparation.
Finally, Group Captain Shukla didn’t become an astronaut overnight. His journey involved years of rigorous preparation, quiet courage and relentless pursuit of excellence. As an IAS aspirant, you’re on your own launchpad. The countdown has begun. Every hour you spend solving problems, every concept you master, is a step closer to your own orbit of success. So, aim high, stay grounded. And remember: the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
With these words, I wish you success in all your endeavours.
