India's first astronaut to International Space Station: Shubhanshu Shukla set to launch with Axiom space
India is set to make history as Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on Tuesday from the US, the mission is part of a private collaboration with Axiom Space, utilizing a SpaceX capsule.
Shukla, 39, is an experienced Indian Air Force fighter pilot. He joins a four-person international crew that includes mission commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut now with Axiom, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the European Space Agency, and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. Together, they will spend 14 days aboard the ISS conducting 60 scientific experiments covering microgravity, Earth observation, life sciences, and materials research.
Shukla is the third astronaut of Indian origin to reach space, following Rakesh Sharma in 1984 and Kalpana Chawla, who flew as a US citizen before tragically losing her life in the 2003 Columbia disaster. Reflecting on his mission, Shukla said, 'Even though I am traveling alone, this is the journey of 1.4 billion Indians. I hope to inspire a new generation.'
The Indian government, through its Department of Space, described the mission as a 'defining chapter' for the country. With a reported cost of over $60 million, the mission symbolizes India's increasing presence in the global space arena.
India's space ambitions are accelerating. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to send an Indian to the Moon by 2040, and ISRO is preparing its own human spaceflight program—Gaganyaan—set for 2027, with Shukla a potential candidate. His earlier training at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and ISRO's Bengaluru facility has primed him for this historic role.
This landmark mission reflects India's growing capabilities in space exploration, positioning it alongside global leaders while maintaining cost efficiency and innovation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Experts focus on scientific aspects of astrology during month-long camp
Varanasi: A month-long astrology knowledge camp organised by Shastrarth Mahavidyalaya concluded on Sunday. A large number of people, including students and women participated in the camp. College principal and camp coordinator Pawan Kumar Shukla said that the camp was not only an effort to enrich children with Vedic traditions, scientific perspective, and self-awareness but also became a strong medium for the preservation and promotion of Indian knowledge traditions. Acharya Sanjay Upadhyay, who taught astrology at the camp, emphasised both the religious significance and scientific aspects of this science. He explained how information about the past, present, and future can be obtained through forehead lines. A new research perspective was presented by integrating the planets in the birth chart with the study and teaching of these lines, showing how forehead lines and charts together can determine the direction of life. He analysed the time cycle and periods, explaining that dividing time into three types - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas periods - is most auspicious and fruitful for chart consideration. The camp also discussed medicine and medical science through the birth chart. Acharya Upadhyay said that by considering the indications of the chart, one can know which doctor is suitable, which medicine will be beneficial or not, and whether the treatment is beneficial for the ailment.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Researchers earn patent for herbal organic hand sanitizer
Vadodara: Researchers at Parul University (PU) here have been granted an Indian patent for a herbal organic hand sanitizer, offering a safe, alcohol-free solution to protect against germs. This innovation, rooted in plant science, provides a gentler and more sustainable alternative to traditional sanitizers, which often cause dryness and skin irritation with repeated use. A PU team, which included Avani Khristi, Falguni Tandel, Vrushank Nizama and Dr Abhay Dharamsi, formulated the sanitizer using plant extracts from cinchona and aloe vera, known for their powerful antibacterial and skin-soothing properties. Designed to address the harsh effects of alcohol-based sanitizers, the herbal solution is alcohol-free, making it especially suitable for frequent use and sensitive skin. Laboratory evaluations confirmed the sanitizer's effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria, including E coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus species, the researchers said. This product comes in four natural and refreshing fragrances, offering users a pleasant sensory experience while maintaining high standards of hygiene. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathiepijn? Miljoenen praten over dit apparaat KneeTens Undo "This development comes at a time when public awareness around hygiene and infection prevention is at an all-time high. By offering a natural, non-toxic and sustainable hygiene solution, the product supports both individual well-being and environmental care," said PU's vice-president Dr Geetika Patel.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
27% increase in students opting for science stream: CM
Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel said on Monday that state govt schemes like the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Sarswati schemes encouraged students to opt for the science stream. In one year, there was a 27% increase in students opting for the science stream, he added. While the Namo Lakshmi scheme provides financial assistance for girls studying at the secondary and higher secondary level (Class 9 to 12), the Namo Sarswati scheme offers financial support to girls who opt for the science stream in Class 11 and 12. Speaking at the inauguration of a Swaminarayan Gurukul at Dabhoi in Vadodara district, the CM said that the Mission School of Excellence programme and the Vidya Samiksha Kendra contributed towards upscaling the quality of education being provided in govt schools. Patel said that the new education policy will "shape the future citizens of India with modernity and values. In the Indian education system, values are indispensable along with knowledge. " He added that India's 'gurukul' culture is now being revived with modern methods. He added that institutions like the Swaminarayan Gurukul provide students not only with academic knowledge but also value-based training for life. Commenting on the steps being taken by the state govt to improve the quality of education, the CM said that through the Gunotsav campaign, learning outcomes of students are being monitored regularly. He added that special attention was given to girls' education through initiatives like Kanya Kelavani and the school enrolment drive (Shala Pravesh Utsav).
