President Murmu Awards Ashoka Chakra to Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut on a NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has been honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. President Droupadi Murmu approved the award on Republic Day eve.
Key Takeaways
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla receives the Ashoka Chakra for his historic ISS mission.
- He was part of NASA’s Crew-9 mission, spending six months on the station.
- His work provides critical data for India’s and future space station plans.
- The award will be presented at the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026.
A Historic Mission for India
Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, launched to the ISS in August 2025 as part of NASA’s Crew-9. During his nearly six-month stay, he conducted vital scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
The government citation praised his “exceptional courage, skill, and dedication,” noting his mission brought immense national pride and provided invaluable data for India’s human spaceflight programme.
Shukla is the first astronaut and the first armed forces member in recent years to receive the Ashoka Chakra, awarded for conspicuous bravery or pre-eminent valour.
Boosting India’s Space Ambitions
The mission was a landmark ISRO-NASA collaboration, marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations with human spaceflight experience. Data from his experiments on human physiology and microgravity directly informs the protocols.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Shukla’s feat “an inspiration for every Indian” and a “giant leap” for the country’s space aspirations.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated Shukla’s experience is “invaluable” and that he is actively training the Gaganyaan astronaut corps. Lessons from his flight are ensuring “100% safety for our own astronauts,” Somanath added.
Looking Ahead
Following post-flight evaluations, Shukla is expected to be a key advisor for India’s ambitious plans, including the Gaganyaan mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035.
President Murmu will present the Ashoka Chakra at the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, where Shukla will be the leading awardee.
