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Indian astronaut and IAF group captain Shubanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), described his time as an “invaluable experience” in the orbit, which underwent any training on Earth.
Astronauts, who made history as the first Indian to fly to ISS, addressed a press meeting and later interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared insight into life in microgravity, the importance of exposure on hands, and global remarks around India’s upcoming Gaganan Human Spaceflight Mission.
Why does Shukla call his ISS experience ‘better than training’?
Speaking to reporters, Shukla explained that simulation and ground training, although rigid, could not fully repeat the realities of space.
“The first hand experience from the ISS mission is much better than any training,” he said. “You feel only once when you are actually in the classroom, feel challenges and beauty – adjusting microgravity, conducting experiments, and living as part of an international crew.”
How will it benefit India’s Gaganan Mission?
India is preparing for its young man’s human spaceflight under the Gaganan program, a target for 2027. Shubhanshu Shukla emphasized that his learning on ISS will directly contribute to shaping the preparation of training protocols and missions for future Indian astronauts.
He said, “Experience from ISS is going to be very useful for Gaganan. I have learned a lot in the last one year – knowledge that will help us make our missions more efficient,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi echoed Bhavna, given that Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission was the “first step” in India’s long -term space ambitions, including launching its own space station by 2035 and involving an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.
What did Shukla tell Prime Minister Modi?
During his conversation, Shubhanshu Shukla informed the Prime Minister that India’s human spacecraft has immense international interest. “Many of my crew partners on Axiom-4 wanted to know about the launch,” he said. “Some also told me to ask me to sign the announcements that they would be invited to launch. They wanted to travel in our vehicle.”
In turn, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to create a strong astronaut core of 40–50 professionals to adequately support India’s future missions.
What message did Shukla share with the children?
Shubhanshu Shukla used the occasion to inspire young Indians to dream of the spaceflight. “I never thought that I would reach here and go into space, but if I can do it, you can also do it,” he said. “We must move forward, one after the other mission – Gaganan, then Indian Anticash Station, and many more.”
Shubhanshu Shukla concluded with a deep patriotic note, which reflects the Earth’s approach to the classroom:
“While going up, while in the classroom, and while returning, Bharat Aaj Bhi Antariksh Se Saare Jahan Se Accha Dikhta Hai… Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,
What is next for India in space?
Gaganan Human Spaceflight in 2027 in Roadmap, India includes the establishment of an Indian Anticash Station (BAS) by 2035 and a crew lunar landing by 2040, ANI reports.
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