Special Gift From Space: Shubhanshu Shukla To Honour Rakesh Sharma On Maiden ISS Mission
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The trained IAF pilot is most excited to know his traveler's number---a historic serial number marking an astronaut's spot in human space exploration
When Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launches aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on his maiden journey to the International Space Station (ISS), he will carry a small souvenir, a special gift intended for cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, which he hopes to present to the space pioneer upon returning safely to Earth after the 14-day mission.
'It is a surprise, and I want to personally hand it over to him once I'm back," said Shukla as he addressed a joint press briefing on Tuesday ahead of the mission launch. As the first Indian to travel to space in 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma has inspired generations of Indians to look up at the stars and dare to chase their dreams but, for Shukla, he has been like a mentor.
'Right from my selection to every step of the way, he has always been there to guide me. As a fellow test pilot in the Air Force, he understands the challenges and preparations very well. It was great to have him on my side, while I was navigating this journey. I speak to him regularly and he assured me that I have his full support," he shared.
FROM 1984 TO 2025: INDIA'S SPACE DREAMS
The historic flight in 1984 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft marked a pivotal shift in India's space journey. Born a year later, Shukla said he was deeply inspired by the stories he read about the mission in textbooks while growing up.
'But since India did not have an active human spaceflight programme, there was no possibility for me to become an astronaut. However, I was fascinated by fighter jets, and was mesmerised when I saw an air show. When the opportunity arose in 2018 through Gaganyaan, I just applied instinctively," said the IAF Test Pilot.
One of the four astronaut-designates for Gaganyaan, Shukla has undergone rigorous training over the past one year for his first spaceflight—Axiom Mission-4. During the upcoming 14-day stay in orbit, he will also conduct seven experiments shortlisted by ISRO—investigating the effect of microgravity on various cultures ranging from stem cells to crop seeds. When asked about any jitters ahead of the mission, he replied, 'Having trained extensively, and repeatedly over the past one year, I'm very confident not just in my own abilities, but in the entire team's capacity to execute this mission successfully."
The experienced Air Force test pilot will also carry mango nectar, gajar ka halwa and moong dal halwa—a nostalgic taste of home in the space orbit. 'Some of them are my favourites, and I'm happy to carry them with me," he said. He will also carry symbols and souvenirs crafted by students from National Institute of Design celebrating India's culture and spirit in Space.
With just a few days remaining before the mission's scheduled launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the four astronauts—each from the US, India, Hungary and Poland—are currently in quarantine and undergoing their final preparations.
Shukla will also speak live to students, educators and members of India's growing space industry through several interactive sessions from Space. 'I just want to tell everyone that space is no longer a distant dream, but it's a future they can share," he said with pride.
The space vehicle named 213 will also receive a special name once it docks in orbit. But what Shukla is most excited about is his traveller's number—a historic serial number marking an astronaut's spot in human space exploration. 'Every astronaut is assigned a traveller's number and I'm eager to know what my number would be," he said.
The crew on Tuesday also introduced their new mascot—a plush baby swan named 'Joy' which will act as a zero-gravity indicator—a physical confirmation that they have transitioned to microgravity. The mascot was chosen for its deep cultural meaning—wisdom and purity in India, resilience and loyalty in Poland, and natural beauty and devotion in Hungary.
'A universal symbol of grace and elegance, the baby swan embodies the shared mission of ISRO, ESA and the Hungarian orbit programme into space, representing cultural harmony, a collective return to human spaceflight, and a united international crew," said Axiom Space.
The mission is scheduled to launch on June 10 at 5.52pm Indian Standard Time from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
First Published:
June 04, 2025, 09:05 IST
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