Penguin Random House India will publish The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts, the memoir of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, AC, on 25 June 2026. The book offers a first-hand account of India’s evolving human spaceflight journey and the lived experience behind one of its most significant milestones.

Positioned as both a personal narrative and a chronicle of modern space exploration, The Second Orbit traces Shukla’s path from the Indian Air Force cockpit to astronaut training and spaceflight. The memoir takes readers inside the demanding world of human space missions—covering selection, training in Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, preparation for spaceflight, and life aboard the International Space Station, including his role in Axiom Mission 4.

The book also reflects on the emotional and philosophical dimensions of space exploration, with Shukla framing his journey as part of a larger national aspiration. In one of the key passages, he writes about carrying the weight of meaning into space and the idea of opening doors for future generations, inspired by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 mission.

Beyond the technical and operational aspects of astronaut life, the memoir explores themes of resilience, discipline, uncertainty, and self-belief. It positions space exploration not only as a technological achievement but also as a deeply human experience shaped by ambition and perseverance.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born in Lucknow in 1985, was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 and went on to become a fighter combat leader and test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours across multiple aircraft platforms, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG series, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. Selected by ISRO in 2019, he underwent astronaut training in Russia and was later introduced as one of the selected astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan mission in 2024. He also served as mission pilot on Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station.

In 2026, he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration.

The book includes endorsements from prominent figures in aviation, sport, and space exploration.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma described the work as “a master class delivered by one who has been there and done that,” while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar called it “a wonderful memoir that will inspire everyone to dream and reach for their stars.” NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson added that Shukla’s account “will bring tears to your eyes.”

Published by Penguin Random House India, The Second Orbit will be available in paperback and hardback. The book runs 342 pages and will be priced at ₹599 (paperback) and ₹799 (hardback).