Every Moment Of Space Journey "Unforgettable", Says Shubhanshu Shukla

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has described his recent space journey as "unforgettable". Shukla, who participated in Axiom Mission 4, a privately organized spaceflight, spent 18 days aboard the ISS, making him the first Indian to set foot on the station. He is only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984.

"Every moment was unique and enriching," Shukla stated in a recent interview. "The experience of seeing Earth from space, conducting experiments in microgravity, and working alongside astronauts from different nations has left an indelible mark on me".

Shukla's journey to space began long before the launch. Inspired by the Kargil War in 1999, he joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) and later was selected for ISRO's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program in 2019. He underwent rigorous training in Russia and India, preparing him for the challenges of space travel.

The Axiom 4 mission, which launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, 2025, was initially delayed due to a liquid oxygen leak during tests. However, after resolving the issue, the mission successfully proceeded, docking with the ISS on June 26, 2025. A formal welcome ceremony was held for the Ax-4 crew, during which Shukla received an astronaut pin.

During his time on the ISS, Shukla participated in numerous scientific experiments and outreach activities. He led experiments designed by ISRO and Indian scientists, focusing on areas such as food growth and oxygen production in microgravity. These experiments hold significant importance for future long-duration space missions, including India's Gaganyaan program. He also engaged in public outreach, including a live videoconference with Prime Minister Modi and ham radio conversations with students.

Shukla's mission is considered a crucial step for India's space program. His experiences and feedback will contribute to improving astronaut training, spacecraft design, and mission planning for Gaganyaan.

Upon his return to Earth on July 15, 2025, Shukla received a grand welcome in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi met with Shukla, congratulating him on his successful mission and recognizing his role in inspiring a billion dreams.

Reflecting on his journey, Shukla emphasized the importance of curiosity, courage, and collaboration. He shared his insights with nearly 50,000 students and 1,000 teachers from CISCE schools, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and contribute to space research. "Space research is vital for data, analysis, and predictive modeling that can help us understand climate change and save lives," he explained.

Shukla's journey to the ISS marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts. His mission provided valuable experience and propelled India closer to its goal of launching its own human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. "My trip is a catapult for India's human mission to space," Shukla said, highlighting the importance of his journey for the future of Indian space exploration.