Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has become the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first to visit the International Space Station (ISS). As part of the Axiom-4 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla embarked on a journey filled with scientific research, international collaboration, and a touch of home.
Before his historic launch on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Shukla shared his feelings, hoping his mission would inspire a new generation, just as Rakesh Sharma did decades ago. He expressed his gratitude for being part of something larger than himself and pledged to inspire the youth of India through his endeavors.
Shukla carried with him not only the hopes of a nation but also a carefully curated selection of Indian treats. Defying the usual advice for astronauts to pack light, Shukla brought mango nectar, gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa), and moong dal halwa to share with his fellow astronauts on the ISS. These items were more than just food; they represented a connection to his roots and a gesture of sharing Indian culture with the international crew. In particular, the mango nectar, likely made from Lucknow's famed Malihabadi mangoes, was a reminder of his hometown.
Beyond the sweets, Shukla carried a secret souvenir for Rakesh Sharma as a thank you for his mentorship. He also brought along a small white toy swan named Joy to serve as the mission's zero-gravity indicator. The swan was chosen for its cultural significance, symbolizing wisdom, resilience, purity, loyalty, and grace in various cultures represented by the crew.
During their 14-day stay on the ISS, the crew will conduct around 60 scientific experiments and commercial activities in microgravity, representing 31 countries. Shukla will participate in experiments focused on advancing technologies for Axiom's own space station and studying the effect of microgravity on cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria capable of converting carbon dioxide to oxygen. Shukla will also expose six types of crop seeds to microgravity, which will be cultivated on Earth to study genetic changes, microbial load, and nutritional value to understand the potential of future space farming.
The Axiom-4 mission is a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, ISRO and the European Space Agency. The mission reflects international cooperation in space exploration and highlights the increasing role of commercial spaceflight in enabling global participation in orbital missions. As India prepares for its Gaganyaan mission, Shukla's journey serves as a reminder of India's progress since Rakesh Sharma's journey and the cosmic possibilities that lie ahead.
