Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station, is gearing up for another space mission. This time, he’s training for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program. Drawing on his experience as an Indian Air Force test pilot, Shukla is well-prepared. He compares Gaganyaan to flying new aircraft—it’s all about ensuring safety and testing limits.
“The Indian space community has earned global respect,” Shukla noted. “Transitioning to human space missions is a significant leap.” He believes Gaganyaan will set India apart in the global space race. It reflects a growing trend in space exploration, where nations are striving to establish their presence beyond Earth.
In June, Shukla spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Axiom-4 mission. This marked the first time in 41 years that an Indian ventured into space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984. Shukla is now in Bengaluru, preparing for Gaganyaan alongside three other astronaut-designates. The mission is slated for mid-2027 and aims to send a crew of three to a low-Earth orbit, about 400 kilometers above the planet.
Shukla emphasizes the importance of Gaganyaan not just for India, but for inspiring other nations. “If we succeed, it will encourage others to pursue their own space missions,” he explained. The mission’s design is critical, and Shukla is involved in refining it. Once finalized, he will begin mission-specific training.
ISRO is conducting several tests to ensure safety and reliability. Recently, they completed the second Integrated Air Drop Test, a step toward proving the technology behind Gaganyaan. If successful, India will become only the fourth country, after the U.S., Russia, and China, to achieve human spaceflight.
Shukla also spoke about the technology development involved in this mission, which includes systems focused on human safety—a primary concern. “This will enhance our capabilities significantly,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his Axiom-4 experience, Shukla shared insights from his time in space, including research on stem cells and microalgae. He described daily life aboard the ISS as structured, with a schedule similar to school. He recalled moments of awe when viewing Earth and the Moon, yet admitted that conveying that experience to loved ones felt incomplete.
“It’s hard to express how surreal it feels to witness it all,” he said. The emotional weight of being one of the few to experience space was profound. Shukla found solace in conversations with his crewmates, who shared similar feelings.
As we look toward the future of space exploration, Shukla’s journey is a key piece of the puzzle. The Gaganyaan mission represents not only India’s aspirations but also a significant step in the global movement toward human space travel.
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SPACE MISSIONS, SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA INTERVIEW, SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA, SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA HE PREPS FOR SECOND SPACE VOYAGE
