The Lok Sabha is set to hold a special discussion to honor Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This debate aims to recognize India's space achievements and highlight the vital role of the space program in achieving a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. The discussion is scheduled for Monday and is expected to provide a platform for bipartisan engagement in Parliament.
Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, was given a hero's welcome upon his arrival in New Delhi on Sunday after completing his mission aboard the ISS. He became the second Indian to venture into space, following IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 in 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos program. Shukla's mission to the ISS was part of the Axiom-4 mission. This mission marked the return of India, Poland, and Hungary to human spaceflight after more than 40 years.
During his 18-day mission, Shukla, along with astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions. Seven of these experiments were specifically for India. The mission, which launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, concluded with a splashdown near San Diego.
The Department of Space has described Shukla's mission as "strategically important," demonstrating India's determination to be a significant player in human space exploration. His participation is expected to significantly impact the construction of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) and the Gaganyaan program. The Gaganyaan mission aims to launch an Indian astronaut from Indian soil using an Indian rocket by 2027. This would mark India's entry into an elite group of nations with independent human spaceflight capabilities.
The special parliamentary discussion also comes at a time when the Opposition is raising concerns about alleged manipulation of voter lists and the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged the opposition to address these concerns directly with the Election Commission. Some political analysts believe that the ISS mission discussion could create common ground and allow Parliament to conduct meaningful business, showcasing national pride in India's space achievements.
President Droupadi Murmu stated that Shukla's journey had inspired an entire generation to dream big and that his experience would be valuable for India's future space missions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Shukla, emphasizing India's ambitions for self-reliant human spaceflight and the development of a homegrown space station. He lauded Shukla's courage and dedication, calling him an inspiration for a billion dreams.
India's space program has made significant strides, including the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite and the Aditya-L1 satellite for studying the sun. A 2024 study estimates that the Indian space sector has stimulated the national economy to the tune of $60 billion over the last decade, supported 4.7 million jobs, and generated $24 billion in tax revenues.
Shukla is expected to meet with PM Modi and visit his hometown of Lucknow. He is also likely to participate in the National Space Day celebrations. The Lok Sabha's discussion will focus on "India's first astronaut aboard the ISS – critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047".
