Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated fighter pilot and now India's first astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), has achieved a historic milestone for the nation’s space journey. The 43-year-old made headlines globally after successfully docking aboard the ISS via SpaceX Dragon, making him astronaut number 634 in the world and only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 Soyuz flight.

After a smooth launch on June 25, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shukla and his team completed the 28-hour journey to reach the orbiting ISS. As part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, this 14-day sojourn will not only involve groundbreaking scientific research but also a live interaction with Indian school students, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for children across the country to speak with an astronaut in space.

Historic First: Live ISS Session With Indian Students

As the ISS passes over ground-based tracking centres, special communication windows have been planned for interactive educational broadcasts. Shubhanshu Shukla will engage with schoolchildren from across India, addressing questions about life in space, science experiments, and his journey as an astronaut.

This initiative is being coordinated between ISRO, Axiom Space, and India’s Education Ministry, and aims to ignite interest in space science among the youth. The excitement around this interaction is unparalleled, as it gives young minds a rare opportunity to speak with an astronaut orbiting over 400 km above Earth.

A Personal Milestone for Over a Billion Indians

For Shukla, who hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, this mission is deeply personal and symbolic. Growing up reading about Rakesh Sharma, India’s first space traveller, and hearing the iconic phrase “Sare Jahan Se Achha” uttered from orbit, he now carries that legacy forward. His debut at the ISS is also India's first official step toward long-duration space habitation, a core objective under the Rs 550 crore ISRO-backed Gaganyaan precursor initiative.

In his first message from the ISS, Shukla addressed Indians with heartfelt emotion:
“Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in space once again after 41 years… The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I am with you all."

Scientific Goals: Seven Experiments for India

Though Shukla is not a scientist by training, he has undergone rigorous instruction to conduct seven key experiments assigned by ISRO, covering critical domains:

1. Growth of Edible Microalgae – Studying nutrient-rich organisms in microgravity, a potential sustainable food source for deep-space missions.

2. Photosynthetic Cyanobacteria – Exploring their ability to support life-support systems aboard future spacecraft.

3. Tardigrade Survival – Researching the resilience of microscopic life forms in space.

4. Muscle Atrophy Monitoring – Assessing physical impacts of zero gravity on human muscle tissues.

5. Cognitive Response to Screens – Understanding how astronauts interact with onboard digital interfaces.

6. Germination and Crop Genetics – Observing seed germination under microgravity and changes in genetic makeup across generations.

7. Stem Cell Viability – Studying the behaviour of cultured human stem cells in space (notably, concerns have arisen over these samples’ viability due to launch delays).

Challenges and Delays: Impact on Experiments

The Axiom-4 mission experienced a three-week delay prior to launch, raising questions about the viability of biological samples, especially pre-cultured stem cells, which have a shelf life of 3 to 8 days. ISRO scientists, however, have assured that most microbial and algae-based experiments remain stable if properly refrigerated, and backup samples are available.

Regardless of these delays, the scientific mission remains intact, and the entire crew is expected to conduct nearly 60 experiments from 31 countries, with Shukla focusing specifically on the Indian set.

Life Aboard the ISS: Adaptation and Observation

The ISS currently hosts 11 astronauts, including the Axiom-4 team of Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański, Tibor Kapu, and Shubhanshu Shukla. Upon arrival, Shukla appeared calm and composed, stating:
“The head feels a little heavy,”—a common reaction in microgravity—but visuals showed him smiling, floating effortlessly, and interacting with international crewmates.

The crew will undergo briefings on ISS operations, scientific protocols, and safety drills before diving into scheduled experiments and global collaborations.

Symbolism and Gaganyaan Aspirations

This mission is seen as a crucial precursor to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to place Indian astronauts in a low-Earth orbit for extended durations using an indigenous ISRO launch vehicle. Shukla’s successful conduct and global visibility are being closely observed not just by ISRO and NASA, but by space communities worldwide.

The mission has also received political and institutional recognition. The Union Cabinet passed a resolution acknowledging Shukla’s space journey as a “moment of national pride.”

What’s Next?

• More live sessions and updates from the ISS will continue to be shared via ISRO and Axiom platforms.

• The team is scheduled to return after 14 days, post-completion of the scientific experiments.

• A detailed debrief and public interaction with Shukla will follow his return to Earth.

Conclusion

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission is more than just a scientific milestone—it is a cultural, educational, and inspirational leap for India. From conducting vital research in microgravity to inspiring children through live educational sessions, Shukla embodies the dreams of a new generation of Indian space aspirants.

His presence on the ISS signifies not just a personal achievement but a national awakening in space exploration, drawing India closer to its long-term goal of becoming a spacefaring superpower. As schoolchildren across India prepare to speak with an astronaut floating above the Earth, a new legacy begins—rooted in science, pride, and infinite curiosity.

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