Sun Jan 25 16:07:09 UTC 2026: # India Celebrates First Astronaut to Visit International Space Station with Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award
The Story:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Mr. Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS in June 2025 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, occurring 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma’s flight aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984. The awards were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of Republic Day.
Key Points:
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
- He was the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2025 as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
- His space odyssey occurred 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.
- Mr. Shukla has 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.
- President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards to 70 armed forces personnel.
- Other notable awardees include Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, all Kirti Chakra recipients.
Key Takeaways:
- India’s space program is making significant strides, with its first astronaut reaching the ISS representing a major accomplishment.
- The award highlights the country’s recognition of achievements in space exploration and national pride in its personnel.
- The timing of the award on the eve of Republic Day underscores its importance to national identity and achievement.
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