ISRO Chairman V Narayanan asserts that the benefits and learning derived from sending Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux) on the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) significantly outweigh the financial cost. Narayanan, in an interview, stated that the ₹548 crore spent on the mission is a small price to pay compared to what India would have needed to invest to achieve the same level of training, exposure, and systems-level experience independently.

Narayanan emphasized that the knowledge gained in astronaut training, mission operations, and understanding the hardware-software-human interface is invaluable and cannot be measured solely in monetary terms. He highlighted that for a country with a population of 1.4 billion, the expenditure is marginal, equating to approximately ₹4 per person. In return, India gains access to infrastructure and expertise that would otherwise cost thousands of crores to develop.

Dismissing the notion that Ax-4 is merely a commercial mission, Narayanan stressed the importance of considering the long-term capability building aspects rather than focusing solely on short-term financial calculations. He stated that these initial investments are essential for programs like Gaganyaan, which has a budget of ₹20,000 crore, including subsequent missions. He further added that training, confidence-building, exposure, and systems understanding are foundational elements.

Narayanan identified five key areas where the Ax-4 mission will directly enhance India's human spaceflight capabilities: * Training Exposure: Indian astronauts trained in world-class facilities that simulate space conditions, including microgravity and life-support systems. Replicating this infrastructure would have cost India crores of rupees per training hour. * Confidence Building: Interaction with experienced astronauts, including those with multiple spaceflights and spacewalks, significantly boosted the confidence of Indian crew members and mission teams. * Operational Experience: Astronauts, including Shux and his backup Group Captain Prashant Nair, learned how to operate as a team in space, handle real-time challenges, and conduct experiments. * Systems-and-Process Understanding: Observing the mission to the ISS provided India with insights into module design, layout, onboard systems, and processes that will inform future Gaganyaan and space station designs. * Cross-Disciplinary Learning: The mission facilitated learning across various disciplines, enhancing overall preparedness and capability.

According to ISRO scientists, Shukla's mission is a more economical and safer approach to preparing for crewed spaceflight. His experience has the potential to eliminate unknowns before India attempts its first human space launch. Simulations have limitations, and Shukla's mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft provides real-world experience in zero gravity, hands-on handling of spacecraft systems, and the identification of unforeseen gaps.

Shukla and the ISS crew will conduct over 60 scientific experiments, including seven from Indian research institutions, during their stay. These experiments cover a range of topics, from metabolic diseases and the effects of microgravity on plants to material strength and human cognitive function in space. Shukla's responsibilities include monitoring flight systems in real-time, performing manual docking if necessary, and ensuring crew safety. He has trained with SpaceX and Axiom, as well as NASA, ESA, and Russia's Gagarin Centre. As an IAF test pilot, his 2,000+ flying hours provide him with the operational expertise required for high-stakes missions.

Dr. Pawan K Goenka from INSPACE highlighted that Shukla's mission could significantly boost India's space economy, potentially benefiting over 200 Indian startups with new opportunities in space tech and experiments. He added that collaborations with global players like SpaceX could bring India closer to its $44 billion space economy target and establish the country as a hub for innovation.

Former ISRO chief S Somanath emphasized that Shubhanshu Shukla's presence on the Axiom-4 mission would significantly strengthen the Gaganyaan mission, marking a crucial step for India's human spaceflight program. He described it as a moment where India is not just a passenger but a partner, a participant, and a future-ready crew.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission marks a transformative phase in India's space journey, opening doors to unprecedented commercial opportunities in the space sector.