Photo credit: PTI, gagan.shux/Instagram Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has marked 20 years since his commissioning into the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a reflective post on social media, he looked back on his journey in uniform, describing it as ‘a life well-lived.’Group captain Shukla wrote in the post, “Twenty years ago today, I pinned on my ranks, marched out of the Air Force Academy, and became a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force.” He added, “Twenty years. Somehow it feels like five. I think that’s the quiet honesty of a life well-lived — the good years don’t drag, they fly.”Shukla, who made history on June 26, 2025 as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS along with three other astronauts, returned to Earth on July 15 after completing the mission.He reflected on his career in the IAF and the experiences that shaped him. “I genuinely don’t know how to express how fortunate I feel. Not in a polished, speech-giving kind of way — but in the way that catches you off guard on an ordinary Tuesday,” he wrote.He said he was entrusted with flying fighter aircraft at a young age and given leadership responsibilities before fully understanding the weight and responsibility involved. “They handed me the controls of a fighter aircraft when I was still young enough to be reckless”, he wrote.He has also been selected as one of the four astronauts for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first human spaceflight programme. In the post, Shukla credited the Indian Air Force for shaping his professional and personal life. Reflecting of the failures he wrote, “The failures taught me as much as the victories”.Shukla described his entry into the Indian Air Force as a mix of personal choice and fate, saying he felt guided by a larger force and expressed deep gratitude for the journey it led him on.Commissioned into the IAF fighter stream in June 2006, Shukla has accumulated over 2,000 flying hours across aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32. He was elevated to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVaiko-Vijay Meetings Trigger Buzz Over MDMK’s Future In Tamil Nadu’s Changing PoliticsModi-Starmer Confirm July 15 Launch Of Trade Pact Projected To Boost Bilateral CommerceJharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls Turn Into Numbers Battle As BJP Eyes Surprise Upset Against INDIA BlocDelhi-NCR Unveils Vision For Four New Cities As Population Set To Surge’Mother Of All Trade Deals’: India, EU Target FTA Signing Before End Of 2026’Jahan Thackeray Wahan Shiv Sena’: Sanjay Raut Rejects Split RumoursDefence Output More Than Doubles In Five Years As India Pushes Self-RelianceRanchi Police Arrest 2 Accused In RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack’Calculated Move To Isolate And Endanger Her’: TMC On Mamata Security RowPM Modi, Trump Hold Bilateral Talks On Hormuz, Seafarers, Defence, Trade Ties123PhotostoriesKeep mosquitoes away naturally: 8 plants every balcony garden should have6 wild animals that have been known to prey on humans – what travellers need to knowForget probiotic supplements: These 7 traditional foods nutritionists swear by for better digestion, immunity and a healthier gutHow to attract good luck based on your birth dateRenting a house in India in 2026? 7 new rules every tenant must know8 comfortable saree-draping styles every working woman should try for long office hoursBeyond Buland Darwaza: Discover the mysterious Hiran Minar at Fatehpur SikriAre zebras black with white stripes or white with black? Here are 6 fascinating factsBharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s love story: All about the couple’s romance that began with a professional collaboration8 high-protein breakfasts to try when you are bored of eggs123Hot PicksOperation TigerCA TopperLionel MessiUS fed policyCrude prices fallStock MarketThomas TuchelWBJEE admit cardMP board second resultTop TrendingCristiano RonaldoIshan KishanShubham GillFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeDownload Optifine for Minecraft 26.2Aman SangerCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeDevajit Saikia
Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has marked 20 years since his commissioning into the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a reflective post on social media, he looked back on his journey in uniform, describing it as ‘a life well-lived.’Group captain Shukla wrote in the post, “Twenty years ago today, I pinned on my ranks, marched out of the Air Force Academy, and became a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force.” He added, “Twenty years. Somehow it feels like five. I think that’s the quiet honesty of a life well-lived — the good years don’t drag, they fly.”Shukla, who made history on June 26, 2025 as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS along with three other astronauts, returned to Earth on July 15 after completing the mission.He reflected on his career in the IAF and the experiences that shaped him. “I genuinely don’t know how to express how fortunate I feel. Not in a polished, speech-giving kind of way — but in the way that catches you off guard on an ordinary Tuesday,” he wrote.He said he was entrusted with flying fighter aircraft at a young age and given leadership responsibilities before fully understanding the weight and responsibility involved. “They handed me the controls of a fighter aircraft when I was still young enough to be reckless”, he wrote.He has also been selected as one of the four astronauts for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first human spaceflight programme. In the post, Shukla credited the Indian Air Force for shaping his professional and personal life. Reflecting of the failures he wrote, “The failures taught me as much as the victories”.Shukla described his entry into the Indian Air Force as a mix of personal choice and fate, saying he felt guided by a larger force and expressed deep gratitude for the journey it led him on.Commissioned into the IAF fighter stream in June 2006, Shukla has accumulated over 2,000 flying hours across aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32. He was elevated to the rank of Group Captain in March 2024.
