Bairaj Chawalgami
It is really historical and epoch-making that Indian astronaut Shubhanshu headed to international space station-ISS on space odyssey marking India’s return to human spacecraft after a gap of 41 years following a successful launch of the Axiom Space mission in the US with a four-member multi-country crew. The 39 -year young, Lucknow born Shukla became only the second Indian astronaut to undertake a space flight ,41 years after his icon Rakesh Sharma’s eight-day space odyssey on board the then Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station in 1984. Indian astronaut Shukla scripted history by embarking on a space odyssey along with three others to the ISS as part of a commercial mission by Axiom space on Wednesday. The much delayed Axiom -4 mission blasted off from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12.01 pm IST towards the ISS amid cheers from watch parties organized across the world, including Shukla’s city Montessori School in Lucknow where his parents witnessed the historic launch. The Lucknow born Shukla, former astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski -Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks return to space for the three nations. Shukla became the first astronaut to travel to ISS ,a journey that comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s eight days in orbit as part of the then Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station in 1984. Shukla was selected as the AX-4mission pilot because of his skill and trained for more than a year for the much- awaited mission. ”This will be my first sortie to space as I switched over from happy landing to happy splash down,” Shukla said in a pre-launch press conference. Hours after leaving earth, Shukla posted am Instagram message adding a special word of thanks for his wife. The second Indian astronaut is also keeping a secret. He will be bringing a special gift for the first Indian astronaut ,Wing Commander Sharma ,who has been guiding the Indian human space flight programme and mentoring Shukla and three other astronauts. ”I will personally give it to him -Sharma after returning .Till then I am not disclosing what the gift is ,”Shukla said. The launch of Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the Axiom-4 [AX-4] mission in June 2025 marked more than a symbolic milestone for India’s space program -it signaled the dawn of a new era in global aerospace investment. Shukla’s historic journey to the International Space Station -ISS ,the first Indian government-sponsored crewed mission in 41 years ,has catalysed a surge in strategic partnerships, technological innovations ,and economic growth. For investors ,this mission is a harbinger of opportunities in a sector poised to redefine India’s role in the dollar 469 billion global space economy. Shukla’s Ax-4 mission was not merely a flight into space but a strategic masterstroke for ISRO. By partnering with Axiom Space and Space X-private entities at the vanguard of commercial spaceflight -India sidestepped the prohibitive costs and risks of developing crewed systems independently. The Rs 548 crore investment provided ISRO with critical data on human spaceflight operations, crew safety protocols , and international collaboration. This knowledge directly accelerates the Gaganyaan program ,India’s indigenous crewed mission slated for 2027,reducing the need for costly trail-and-error testing. The mission also underscored India’s growing influence in global space governance. With over 60 experiments conducted for 31 countries -including studies on bio regenerative life support systems and microgravity biology -India has positioned itself as a partner of choice for nations seeking to advance space science. For investors, this signals a market ripe for cross -border partnerships, particularly in biotechnology and aerospace engineering. Hailing Axiom -4 mission ,the IAF on Wednesday said Group Capitan Shubahanshu Skukla has set forth on a landmark space odyssey ,carrying the pride of the nation beyond the Earth , and asserted it is reaffirmation of India’s ever -expanding horizon. Forty one year after Rakesh Sharma etched his name in history as the first Indian to venture into space, another name, Shukla has captured the nations imagination ,becoming the second Indian to achieve the remarkable feat. The liftooif took place at 12.01 PM on Wednesday .His journey marks pivotal moment ,not only for Indian space exploration but also as an inspiring testament to human ambition and scientific advancement. Shukla’s mission signifies a renewed era of India’s commitment to space and its burgeoning capabilities in the global arena. The last four decades have seen immense transformation in space technology ,international collaborations ,and the very perception of space travel. Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984 aboard the Soviet Union’s Soyuz T-11 was a landmark achievement ,a symbol of Indo-Soviet friendship and India’s nascent steps into the cosmos. At that time ,space travel was largely the domain of superpowers, and India ,with its limited resources ,relied heavily on international partnerships. Sharma’s mission ,though brief, ignited a spark of curiosity and aspiration within a young nation, proving that Indian’s too could reach for the stars. Fast forward to 2025, and Shukla’s journey is a reflection of a vastly different landscape. India ,through its ISRO ,has emerged as a formidable force in space technology ,renowned for its cost-effective missions ,innovative approaches ,and a track record of successful ventures. From launching numerous satellites for international clients to pioneering missions to the Moon and Mars, ISRO has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Shukla’s mission, therefore ,is not merely an individual achievement but a culmination of decades of tireless effort,scientific rigor, and strategic vision by ISRO and the Indian government. The specifics of Shukla ‘s mission are a testament to this evolution. Unlike Sharma’s flight, which was part of a Soviet program , Shukla’s journey is a significant stride towards India’s independent human spacecraft capabilities. While details about the exact spacecraft and mission profile would be critical for a full understanding ,his presence in space underscores India’s intent to develop its own manned missions ,an ambitious goal that few nations have achieved. This self-reliance in human spacecraft has profound implications for India’s strategic autonomy and its standing as a leader in advanced technologies. The path to becoming an astronaut is arduous ,demanding a unique blend of intellectual brilliance ,physical resilience and psychological fortitude. Shukla like all astronauts ,would have undergone years of rigorous training ,pushing his limits in simulated environments, mastering complex systems , and preparing for the physiological and psychological stresses of space travel. This training would have encompassed everything from aerospace engineering and orbital mechanics to emergency and scientific experimentation. His selection as an astronaut is a testament to his exceptional capabilities and dedication. The scientific objectives of Shukla’s mission are likely to be diverse and far-reaching. Human presence in space allows for unique research opportunities that cannot be replicated on Earth. Looking ahead , Shukla’s mission is likely a precursor to more ambitious Indian human spaceflight programs .In short Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to space marks a monumental achievement for India ,bridging a four-decade gap and ushering a new era of human space exploration for the nation. AS Shukla gazes upon Earth from the vast expanse of space ,he carries not only the aspirations of a billion people but also hopes for a future where India plays an even more significant role in humanity’s cosmic odyssey.
