Bengaluru-based founder-CEO meets astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, shares insights: ‘His passion for…’

Bengaluru entrepreneur meets astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. (Image: @awaisahmedna)

Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Awais Ahmed, founder of the satellite company Pixxel, recently met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4).

Ahmed shared details of the meeting on social media, highlighting Shukla’s views on India’s private space sector and the need to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education across the country. He noted that Shukla was keen to see both public and private efforts expand and inspire the next generation.

On X (formerly Twitter), Ahmed wrote, "India's most recent astronaut (and only its second ever) who went up to the ISS last year. Was very glad to listen to his excitement about the private space sector and how it should grow leaps and bounds and his passion for disseminating STEM education far and wide in the country."

He further added, "Cannot wait to see him and other Indian astronauts launch soon on our own rockets under Gaganyaan and eventually on Indian private rockets too!"

Many responded positively, with one user describing it simply as "Legend," while another called it "Inspiring."

It was such a pleasure to meet and interact with Group Capt @gagan_shux - India’s most recent astronaut (and only its second ever) who went up to the ISS last year. Was very glad to listen to his excitement about the private space sector and how it should grow leaps and bounds… pic.twitter.com/E3LW9fT6XN

— Awais Ahmed (@awaisahmedna) January 28, 2026

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an IAF test pilot and an astronaut selected by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In June 2025, he served as the mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4). This made him the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space, ending a 41-year gap since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight aboard a Soviet spacecraft in 1984.

Shukla’s mission was widely celebrated across India. In January 2026, during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry honour. He received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.