Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be honored with the Ashok Chakra on Republic Day 2026 for his pioneering mission to the International Space Station. As the first Indian on the ISS and a key figure in the Gaganyaan program, Shukla’s 18-day stay in orbit has redefined India’s position in global space exploration. This recognition marks a rare instance of the Ashok Chakra being awarded for scientific and mental fortitude in the cosmos.
India is set to honor its space hero, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, with the Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, this Republic Day. The award recognizes his extraordinary courage and technical precision during the historic Axiom-4 mission in June 2025.
Shubhanshu Shukla created history by becoming the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS). During his 18-day mission, he conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including critical microgravity research for ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan program. Beyond national honors, he was also recently felicitated with the ‘Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman’ by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his contributions to space science.