How Much ISRO Spent & What He Earned from the Ax-4 Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla returns after a historic Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Here’s what ISRO spent and the truth about his salary as India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS.
🇮🇳 A Historic Homecoming for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
On July 15, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by returning to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As a member of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), he became the first Indian astronaut to live and work on the ISS, cementing his name among India’s space pioneers.
The mission, initially planned for 14 days, was extended due to scientific needs. Shukla and his multinational crew completed 322 orbits of Earth, covering over 13.9 million kilometers.
This achievement marks a monumental step forward in India’s human spaceflight aspirations and adds another glorious chapter to the country’s growing presence in global space research.
🛰️ No Salary? The Truth Behind Shubhanshu Shukla’s Compensation
Despite the spotlight, there was no additional salary or mission bonus given to Shubhanshu Shukla for his participation in the Ax-4 mission.
Here’s why:
- He continued to draw his regular Indian Air Force salary.
- He wasn’t employed by NASA or Axiom Space, meaning no foreign salary was involved.
- His role was part of a broader government initiative aimed at gaining experience and advancing India’s space capabilities.
In other words, his journey was never about personal gain—it was about laying the groundwork for India’s future in manned space exploration.
💸 ISRO’s ₹548 Crore Investment in the Mission
Though Shukla didn’t pocket any additional earnings, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) allocated an estimated ₹548 crore for India’s involvement in the Ax-4 mission. This investment covered a wide range of expenses:
- NASA and Axiom Space training programs
- Transportation via SpaceX Crew Dragon
- Stay aboard the ISS (life support, nutrition, logistics)
- Support for 7 Indian scientific experiments
- Pre-mission and post-mission support systems
It was a strategic decision by ISRO to prioritize capability building over cost-saving.
🧪 Seven Critical Experiments in Microgravity
While on the ISS, Shukla conducted seven key scientific experiments on behalf of ISRO. These formed part of a larger group of over 60 experiments conducted by the Ax-4 crew. His tasks focused on biotechnology, agriculture, and human physiology:
- Growth and nutrition analysis of microalgae in space
- Sprouting salad seeds in zero-gravity
- Studying tardigrade survival and gene expression
- Effects of muscle regeneration supplements in microgravity
- Human-machine interaction using digital screens in orbit
- Comparative growth study of cyanobacteria
- Impact of space conditions on food crop seeds
These groundbreaking studies are expected to play a pivotal role in India’s upcoming long-duration missions, including the Gaganyaan programme.
🚀 Shubhanshu’s Role in India’s Gaganyaan Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla’s experience isn’t just historical—it’s foundational.
His successful participation in the Ax-4 mission gives him a strong position in ISRO’s next major leap: the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous manned spaceflight, expected in 2027.
With direct exposure to living in microgravity and operating onboard a space station, Shukla will likely contribute to astronaut training, crew readiness, and mission planning for Gaganyaan.
📸 Emotional Reunions and a Nation’s Pride
Upon landing, Shukla reunited with his family, including his wife and child. His simple message—”I’m fine, see you soon”—to his parents brought tears and joy across the country.
Senior officials, cabinet ministers, and even the Prime Minister personally acknowledged his contribution, calling his achievement a “milestone for Indian youth.”
📊 Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission | Axiom-4 (Ax-4) |
| Duration in Space | 18 days |
| Orbits Completed | 322 |
| Distance Travelled | 13.9 million kilometers |
| Indian Milestone | 1st Indian to live/work on ISS |
| ISRO Investment | ₹548 crore |
| Salary for Mission | None (regular Air Force pay) |
| Scientific Experiments | 7 India-led microgravity experiments |
🧠 FAQs About Shubhanshu Shukla and the Ax-4 Mission
1. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a decorated Indian Air Force pilot with over 2,000 flying hours. He became the first Indian astronaut to live aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission.
2. How long was he in space?
Shukla spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station.
3. Did he get paid for the Ax-4 mission?
No. He didn’t receive any additional salary. He continued drawing his regular military pay.
4. How much did ISRO spend on the mission?
ISRO invested approximately ₹548 crore, covering training, travel, research, and support.
5. What were the experiments he conducted?
He led seven scientific experiments involving biology, nutrition, muscle regeneration, and space farming.
6. Will he be part of Gaganyaan?
While not officially confirmed, he is expected to play a key role in the Gaganyaan mission due to his spaceflight experience.
🌠 Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Salary
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission wasn’t about financial reward—it was about national pride, global collaboration, and scientific advancement. While he earned no extra pay, his contributions are priceless.
With ISRO’s strategic investment and his historic journey, India is now firmly on course for its first-ever indigenous manned mission, Gaganyaan.
