New Delhi, January 25, 2026 – In a historic recognition, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, announced on the occasion of Republic Day 2026. This prestigious honor acknowledges his exceptional contributions to space exploration and signifies a moment of national pride for India.
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery, daring, or pre-eminent valor, given without engagement in conflict with the enemy. Group Captain Shukla’s achievement is particularly notable, as it marks one of the rare instances wherein the award has been conferred for accomplishments in the realm of space research and international scientific cooperation.
In June 2025, Group Captain Shukla took part in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. As the mission’s pilot, he spent about 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), undertaking crucial scientific experiments while representing India on a global platform. This mission not only made him the second Indian citizen to travel into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, but also the first to board the ISS directly.
His journey covered millions of kilometers and involved multiple orbits around the Earth, a feat that has been celebrated as a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Gaganyaan program. The insights and data gained from this mission are expected to bolster India’s future human spaceflight endeavors.
Group Captain Shukla’s outstanding accomplishments, courage, and service have made him a symbol of pioneering spirit in space exploration. His recognition with the Ashoka Chakra exemplifies bravery that transcends earthly borders.
The President’s endorsement of the gallant awards, including the Ashoka Chakra for Group Captain Shukla, was part of a broader announcement recognizing the valor displayed by other personnel in the armed forces. This acknowledgment highlights India’s advancing position in global space exploration and the valor exhibited by its service members across various fields.
With over 2,000 hours of flying experience as a test pilot in the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s selection for the Ax-4 mission underscored his extensive expertise and dedication. The formal conferment of this award will take place during the Republic Day celebrations, marking a monumental moment not just for him, but for the entire nation.
