Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Second Indian to Travel to Space, Leads Axiom Mission-4
New Delhi : Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has created history by stepping into space as part of Axiom Mission-4. He has become only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian astronaut in 1984.
India’s Historic Return to Space After 40 Years
Speaking about this momentous mission, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said:
“This is a giant leap. After 40 years, an Indian astronaut has gone to space again. But there is a vast difference between 1984 and 2025. Back then, India’s space program was in its infancy. There were limited expectations from us, and our contributions were minimal. But today, India stands as an equal and leading partner in space exploration.”
He further stated that Group Captain Shukla has been entrusted with carrying out several scientific experiments, categorized into seven broad domains. These experiments are expected to benefit not only India but also contribute significantly to global space research.
A Proud and Emotional Moment for the Family
Shubhanshu Shukla’s sister, Shuchi Mishra, expressed her pride and hope, saying:
“We are confident that everything will go well. We are relaxed and eagerly waiting for his safe return after 15 days. Our hopes have risen, and we now wish that he participates in more such missions and continues to make us proud.”
His other sister, Nidhi Mishra, also shared her thoughts:
“So far, all phases have been completed successfully. I hope the upcoming part of the mission is equally successful. This experience is truly incredible.”
India’s Rising Space Power
Axiom Mission-4 is not just a technological feat for India—it symbolizes the nation’s strides toward becoming a developed and self-reliant power in space. As part of this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct various research activities aboard the International Space Station (ISS), including experiments in biomedicine, microgravity, and material sciences.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey marks the beginning of a new era in India’s space capabilities. This mission is a major step in establishing India as a scientific powerhouse on the global stage. India is no longer just a participant in space exploration—it is now taking the lead.