Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has been honoured with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. He received this recognition for his exceptional service, including his contribution to the historic Axiom Mission to the International Space Station (ISS). President Droupadi Murmu presented the award during the 77th Republic Day parade, making Shukla one of the few people to receive this honour at the grand national ceremony. Traditionally, only the Ashok Chakra and the Param Vir Chakra are awarded during the Republic Day parade.

First Indian to Visit ISS After Rakesh Sharma

Shukla created history last year by becoming the first Indian to travel to the ISS. He is also only the second Indian to go to space, after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. Notably, Sharma was also an Ashok Chakra awardee.

Gallantry Awards Approved for 70 Armed Forces Personnel

A day before the ceremony, the President approved gallantry awards for 70 members of the armed forces. This list includes Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who served as the backup pilot for the same mission. Nair will receive the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, at a separate investiture ceremony. The awards list includes: 2 Kirti Chakras 13 Shaurya Chakras 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) 2 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) Some awards will be given posthumously.

Women Naval Officers Honoured with Shaurya Chakra

Among the Shaurya Chakra recipients are Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A. They were recognised for their demanding global sailing mission, Navika Sagar Parikrama II. The officers sailed 25,600 nautical miles, making stops in Australia, New Zealand, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Background and Flying Career

Born on October 10, 1985, Shukla studied at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. He joined the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006. He is a decorated combat leader and test pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours. He has flown aircrafts including Su-30, MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar ad Hawk.

Role in India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission

Shukla is the youngest among four IAF fighter pilots selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the astronaut-designates: Shukla, Nair, Group Captains Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap. The Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for early 2027. It will send two to three astronauts into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission.

India’s Long-Term Space Goals

Gaganyaan is an important step in India’s long-term space plans. These include setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035, landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040

Achievements of Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair

Group Captain Nair, also an NDA alumnus, received the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal for overall excellence during training. Other Kirti Chakra recipients include Major Arshdeep Singh and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba.