Historic Milestone: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Set Foot on the ISS

A Giant Leap for India: Shubhanshu Shukla Enters the ISS

In a momentous achievement for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to step aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Shukla successfully docked with the ISS, marking a defining moment in India’s space exploration journey.

The Dragon spacecraft “Grace”, carrying Shukla and three other astronauts—Poland’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu—completed its docking sequence with the ISS. After pressure checks, the hatch opened, and the crew floated into the station, where they were warmly welcomed by the existing Expedition team.

A Journey Decades in the Making

Shukla’s flight is India’s first human space mission in over 40 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 journey aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. This mission, a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, ESA, and SpaceX, highlights India’s growing role in global space exploration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement, stating that Shukla carries the “hopes and dreams of a billion Indians.” Meanwhile, Sharma himself shared an emotional message, advising Shukla to “spend as much time as possible looking at Earth from space.”

Science and Experiments on the ISS

During their two-week mission, the Ax-4 crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including several designed by ISRO. Key studies focus on:

• Microalgae growth for sustainable space food
• Tardigrade (water bear) behavior in microgravity
• Muscle atrophy and bone density loss in space
• Advanced Earth observation techniques

These experiments will provide crucial data for future missions, including India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send astronauts to space by 2027.

Shukla’s Inspiring Journey

From an Indian Air Force test pilot to an ISRO astronaut, Shukla’s path to space involved rigorous training in Russia, India, and NASA’s facilities. His family watched the launch with immense pride, while students across India hailed him as a role model for aspiring scientists.

In a live broadcast from orbit, Shukla described the experience as “unreal”:

“One moment, you’re strapped in, feeling the immense power of the rocket—and the next, you’re floating in silence. It’s humbling and exhilarating at the same time.”

What’s Next for India in Space?

With Gaganyaan, plans for an Indian space station by 2035, and ambitions for a lunar astronaut mission by 2040, India is rapidly advancing in space exploration. Shukla’s mission serves as a critical learning experience, helping ISRO refine crew operations and life-support systems for future missions.

Final Thoughts

Shukla’s achievement is more than a personal milestone—it’s a symbol of India’s scientific ambition and global collaboration. As he conducts experiments and gazes at Earth from the ISS, he inspires millions of young Indians to dream beyond the skies.

“Jai Hind! Jai Vigyan!” — Shubhanshu Shukla’s words from space.

Stay tuned for more updates on India’s incredible space journey! 🚀