Test pilot, combat leader, astronaut: The fearless flight path of Shubhanshu Shukla

In 2006, a young cadet was preparing to leave the revered halls of the Air Force Academy (AFA) to take to the skies, unaware that his daring maneuvering skills, ability to handle any cockpit presented, and talent for making rapid decisions would propel him beyond boundaries. The Indian Air Force pilot is on the verge of flying into space as an astronaut. Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla is prepared for his most daring mission. He is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS), commanding the Dragon spacecraft, on June 10, 2025.

Before becoming an astronaut, he is an exceptional fighter pilot and a test pilot who pushed aircraft that had never flown before to their extremes, revealed their weaknesses, exploited their flaws, and fortified the Indian skies. We examine how his previous experience as a fighter test pilot equipped him to be India’s first astronaut destined for the Space Station. Achieving the status of a test pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is among the most prestigious and challenging positions for military aviators.

The selection procedure is demanding and starts with internal evaluation of current officers from the Flying Branch, typically at the Squadron Leader rank or above, who possess a solid operational history and at least approximately 1,500 flying hours. To be a test pilot, the officer must initially volunteer independently. Candidates need to be medically qualified (Category A1G1) and have excellent technical and analytical skills.

Shortlisted candidates participate in pre-selection evaluations at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru, where they encounter a series of written technical tests, simulator assessments, and flight evaluations aimed at assessing their adaptability to new aircraft and scenarios.

After being chosen, candidates engage in a rigorous 48-week training program at ASTE, which hosts the IAF Test Pilots School, one of the rare institutions of its kind globally.

The curriculum consists of academic, flight, and technical reporting modules that encompass advanced aerodynamics, aircraft performance, avionics, flight mechanics, and systems integration. Trainee test pilots operate a diverse range of aircraft models, frequently beyond their main expertise, and conduct meticulously organized test flights under strict supervision. They acquire skills in planning, executing, and evaluating intricate test missions and are required to generate comprehensive technical reports regarding flight performance and system functionality.

Upon graduation, test pilots are usually assigned to ASTE or comparable units, where they are essential in assessing new aircraft, systems, and weaponry—both domestic and foreign. Their efforts directly impact India’s air combat strengths, positioning them as key players in the country’s aerospace development.

The toughest part is gaining the flexibility to handle an unknown cockpit, and Shubhanshu Shukla accomplished that perfectly with the fixed-wing jets. He piloted SuU-30 MKI, Dornier, AN-32, Mig-21, and MiG-29 among various aircraft during his test pilot career, accruing more than 2,000 hours of flight experience. The period that extended for 2-3 years at once necessitated him to cultivate flexibility quickly and to respond to the systems as necessary.

“Fighter flying is highly dynamic, so is a space mission that requires you to think on your feet and make split-second decisions, build strong instincts and have the courage to mitigate issues no matter the situation. The Air Force Test Pilot School has prepared Shubhanshu for it well. Therefore, he was one of the first to volunteer for the Gaganyaaan Mission to become an astronaut when the news came,” a retired IAF Air Marshal told . As Shukla gets ready to embark on his 14-day space mission soaring nearly 400 kilometres above Earth, the insights gained from his test pilot experiences will be invaluable, pushing him into a unique realm where few have ventured.