Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), has achieved a remarkable feat, witnessing approximately 230 sunrises and travelling nearly 10 million kilometers in space during his two-week mission. This mission marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey, with Shukla becoming the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the ISS and the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ax-4 mission, piloted by Shukla, successfully docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025. A formal welcome ceremony was held, during which Shukla was presented with an astronaut pin, recognizing him as the 634th person to reach space. Throughout his time on the ISS, Shukla has been actively involved in conducting approximately 60 experiments, with at least seven designated by ISRO, spanning various fields, including biomedical science and agriculture.
Shukla's experiments include studies on muscle atrophy in microgravity, stem cell research, and the cultivation of microalgae for potential use in generating food, oxygen, and biofuel for future space missions. He has also participated in experiments involving the germination of "moong" and "methi" seeds to study the effects of microgravity on plant development. Furthermore, Shukla has been evaluating the cognitive load on astronauts interacting with screens and contributing to research on wireless acoustics.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Shukla has engaged in public outreach activities, including a live video conference with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ham radio conversations with school students. He has also interacted with ISRO officials, emphasizing the importance of his experiments in advancing India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Shukla's journey to space began with his selection by ISRO for the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme in 2019. He underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia and the Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore, earning a Master of Engineering degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science. A decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force (IAF), Shukla has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft.
The cost of Shukla's seat on the Axiom Mission 4 is estimated to be around ₹548 crore (US$65 million), funded by the Indian government. While some have questioned the cost, ISRO and Axiom Space officials have defended it, highlighting the benefits of the training and international collaboration.
Shukla's mission is not only a personal achievement but also a significant step forward for India's space program. His experiences on the ISS will contribute to the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight endeavor, scheduled for launch in the future. As Shukla approaches the end of his mission, with a return to Earth expected after July 14, his contributions to space research and India's space aspirations remain invaluable.
