A significant milestone for India’s space program was reached on Wednesday, June 25, when Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a pilot in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Just after 12:00 IST, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) took off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shubhanshu Shukla made history as India’s second spacefarer, following a gap of more than four decades.

Rakesh Sharma‘s 1984 voyage on a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft had, until now, stood as India’s first government-sponsored human spaceflight. This latest milestone arrives 41 years after that historic event. Shukla is one of four astronauts shortlisted for the ISRO Gaganyaan mission, which is scheduled to launch in late 2026 or early 2027. According to reports, the Indian government has set aside ₹550 crore for Gaganyaan.

Shukla will spend approximately 28 hours in the Crew Dragon capsule en route to the ISS. As the spacecraft’s pilot, he is expected to yield vital operational expertise for India’s future human space exploration endeavors.

Experiments on the ISS with Global Collaboration

During their 14-day ISS stay, the Ax-4 crew will conduct about 60 microgravity research projects and business ventures. India, the United States, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and other European nations are among the 31 countries contributing to this mission.

Shukla will participate in studies related to Axiom’s planned space station and the impact of microgravity on cyanobacteria. These microorganisms were instrumental in Earth’s early atmospheric changes and are recognized for their ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

According to an interview Shukla gave to IANS in March, cyanobacteria are being investigated to determine their ability to produce oxygen in microgravity. He added that the research may help future missions by creating oxygen-rich environments for astronauts on long-duration flights. Shubhanshu Shukla made history as India’s second spacefarer and will now contribute to research that could influence future space habitats.

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National Leaders Applaud Historic Mission

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received congratulations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on his historic voyage. Both leaders expressed pride in India’s role in this momentous international endeavor.

Invoking the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam principle, the President emphasized Shukla’s contribution to advancing India’s space achievements and said the mission represents global unity. She noted that the diverse experiments would expand the horizons of scientific research and space exploration.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi praised the success of the multinational launch and highlighted that Shukla carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians.

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