INDIAN astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the International Space Station is a stepping stone for Gaganyaan — India’s human spaceflight mission. After 41 years, India has an astronaut in space. Shukla is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.
“Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the space station is crucial for India as we have been preparing for the Gaganyaan mission for quite some time. Four astronauts have undergone advanced training for the mission, first in Russia and then in Bengaluru. Now, with Shukla’s space experiments, we will get enriched knowledge for Gaganyaan,” RC Kapoor, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and space expert, told IANS.
“We are proud and happy to see Shubhanshu Shukla become the second Indian to travel to space, this time as part of the Axiom-4 Mission. This journey is a testament to the growing global footprint of India in space exploration and is a stepping stone to what we want to achieve with Gaganyaan, our own indigenous human spaceflight programme,” said Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director- General, Indian Space Association (ISpA). The Gaganyaan mission is in the final stages of preparation and slated for launch in 2027.
“Congratulations Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, you are the first Indian Astronaut set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi have placed India as a frontline nation in Space exploration,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology in a post on X. Shukla is serving as the pilot of the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the US.
Shukla will conduct a fortnight of scientific research related to food and space nutrition and will also study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae — a nutrient-rich, high-potential food source for future space missions.
A proud moment for Shukla family
AS Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soared into space on June 25 as a part of the Axiom-4 mission, his family back home celebrated with tears of joy, pride and overwhelming emotion. “It’s not just his achievement — it’s a proud moment for the entire family,” his sister told IANS.
“He has set an example for the country. The youth should be inspired by him. If you work hard and stay honest, you will definitely succeed,” she added. His mother, too, was filled with joy and said, “Yes, it’s a big day. I have been waiting for this for a month.” His father thanked God for making the mission possible.
