India is poised to make history as Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force fighter pilot, prepares to launch into space as part of a four-person mission aboard a SpaceX capsule operated by Axiom Space. This journey marks a significant milestone for India as it seeks to enhance its role in human spaceflight, traditionally dominated by nations like the US, Russia, and China. Shukla’s mission is scheduled for launch on Tuesday from the United States, and he will become the third astronaut of Indian descent to reach orbit, following the legendary Rakesh Sharma and Kalpana Chawla.
Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in 1984, while Kalpana Chawla, who became a US citizen, participated in two space shuttle missions, including the tragic 2003 Columbia flight. Ahead of this monumental journey, Shukla emphasized the collective significance of his mission, stating, “I truly believe that even though, as an individual, I am travelling to space, this is the journey of 1.4 billion people.” He expressed hope that his adventure would “ignite the curiosity of an entire generation” in India.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) heralds this mission as a “defining chapter” in India’s ambitious space exploration program. It positions the International Space Station (ISS) mission as a emblem of a confident nation eager to reestablish its foothold in the global space race. “His journey is more than just a flight – it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration,” the agency conveyed.
The financial commitment for this mission was revealed to exceed $60 million, as reported by Indian media outlets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced a goal to send an Indian citizen to the moon by 2040. Additionally, ISRO plans to launch its own crewed mission, named Gaganyaan, meaning “sky craft” in Hindi, in 2027, with Shukla being a potential participant.
Shukla’s preparation for this landmark venture began with training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia in 2020, followed by extensive training at ISRO’s center in Bengaluru. He anticipates that the 14 days aboard the ISS will provide “invaluable” insights to apply to India’s future space missions.
Commanding the mission will be Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and current employee of Axiom Space, alongside European Space Agency astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Together, they will be conducting 60 scientific studies, ranging from microgravity research to Earth observation, as well as experiments in life sciences and material sciences.
India’s space endeavors have seen remarkable growth over the past decade, achieving significant milestones at lower costs compared to established spacefaring nations. In August 2023, India became the fourth country to successfully land an unmanned craft on the moon, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China. Shukla’s imminent launch not only underscores India’s ambition in space exploration but also reflects a burgeoning era of scientific innovation and discovery.
Original Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-join-mission-to-international-space-station
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Publish Date: 2025-06-09 22:22:00
