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History Made: Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Set Foot on the ISS
India has etched a new chapter in space history. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). His journey aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) marks a monumental achievement for India’s space ambitions. After spending 18 eventful days in orbit, Shukla and his fellow astronauts made a successful return to Earth on July 15, 2025.
🌍 Safe Landing and Warm Welcome
The Ax-4 capsule, aptly named Grace, undocked from the ISS and splashed down safely off the coast of San Diego, California, at 15:01 IST. As it pierced through the atmosphere, a thunderous sonic boom echoed, signaling its return. Millions watched the live broadcast of the capsule’s reentry. Within minutes of splashdown, recovery teams secured the capsule. The crew, including Shukla, underwent quick medical checks before being flown by helicopter to shore.
👨🚀 Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
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Born: October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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Service Background: A decorated pilot in the Indian Air Force, Shukla has flown high-performance aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar.
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Experience: Over 2,000 flying hours, primarily as a test pilot.
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Commissioned: Into the IAF in June 2006
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Astronaut Training: Selected in 2019 by ISRO, trained at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
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Gaganyaan Role: One of four astronauts chosen for India’s indigenous Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2027
🛰️ The Axiom-4 Mission
Axiom Mission 4 was operated by Axiom Space, a private U.S.-based company, in close collaboration with NASA, ISRO, ESA, and SpaceX. The international crew included:
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Peggy Whitson (Commander) – Former NASA astronaut and spaceflight veteran
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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot) – India
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Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski – Poland
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Tibor Kapu – Hungary
Originally planned as a 14-day mission, Ax-4 was extended to 18 days due to high-value experiments. The team conducted over 60 scientific studies, including seven from ISRO, focusing on microgravity research, material science, and space medicine.
🧪 India’s Vision Beyond Earth
India’s participation came with a price tag of ₹500 crore ($59 million) for Shukla’s seat, training, and mission support. However, this investment is seen as a strategic leap for India’s space ambitions. His flight is expected to provide critical insights for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission in 2027.
ISRO’s long-term goals include:
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Launching the Gaganyaan crewed mission
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Establishing an Indian space station by 2035
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Sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040
Shukla’s experience will be pivotal in shaping ISRO’s approach to human spaceflight and international collaboration.
💬 Words That Echo From Space
Before departing the ISS, Shukla delivered a message that captured hearts across the nation:
“From space, today’s India looks ambitious. It looks fearless. It looks confident. It looks proud. And so, I can once again say that today’s India still looks better than the rest of the world.”
He also honored Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space (1984), whose iconic words — “Saare Jahan Se Achha” — still resonate in the national consciousness.
🇮🇳 A Nation Celebrates
From leaders to citizens, India united in celebration.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had unveiled the Gaganyaan team earlier this year, congratulated Shukla and called it “a milestone in India’s space journey.”
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CM Yogi Adityanath hailed the feat as “a proud symbol of courage and commitment to science.”
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Mamata Banerjee described his return as “a matter of national pride.”
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “He has lifted India’s aspirations to new heights.”
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BJP President J.P. Nadda called it “a golden chapter in India’s space odyssey.”
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His proud father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, added: “We are very proud of him. I thank God for this day.”
🚀 Conclusion: A Giant Leap for India
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission is more than a personal triumph—it’s a symbol of India’s rising stature in global space exploration. As ISRO builds momentum toward crewed missions and interplanetary goals, Shukla’s journey inspires millions of Indians to look toward the sky with hope and ambition.
India has touched the stars—and it’s only the beginning.
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