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India Today
19-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
Shux didn't just orbit Earth. He elevated India's orbit in the world
India has always sought avenues to amplify its global voice through yoga, cinema, democratic ideals, and economic diplomacy. But with the recent space mission of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard Axiom Space's Ax-4, a new chapter has once the domain of Cold War rivalry and nationalist spectacle, is now India's next frontier in soft Shubhanshu Shukla is only the second Indian to enter space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Yet, unlike Sharma's Soviet-era mission, a proud, symbolic act of solidarity, Shukla's voyage is rich with contemporary significance. Shubhanshu Shukla at the the International Space Station as part of Axiom Space's commercial mission. advertisement It's not just about putting an Indian in orbit. It's about embedding India in the architecture of future space collaboration and exploration, and projecting a confident, tech-savvy India to the mission was no solitary endeavour. It was made possible through collaboration with private space giant SpaceX, American company Axiom Space, and international space agencies like Nasa, and the European Space Agency. Shukla trained across Russia and the US, embodying the spirit of global his presence on the International Space Station, conducting seven Indian-designed experiments, India wasn't just participating - it was co-piloting the scientific conversation. This is where the soft power element becomes unmistakable. Just as the US once won hearts during the Apollo era and China now wields its space program as geopolitical leverage, India, too, is realising that its space story can inspire, lead, and mission acted as a warm introduction for Gaganyaan, India's upcoming indigenous human spaceflight program. But it also served as a calling card for international France to Japan, countries are eyeing partnerships in sustainable space tech, microgravity research, and astronaut training. India, with its proven Mars and Moon missions and now human spaceflight readiness, becomes an attractive partner, not just a proud nation, but a dependable timing is impeccable. At a moment when space is being redefined - from national prestige to shared infrastructure and commercial opportunity - India's message is clear: we are here, and we can this leadership is not blustery or bombastic. It is built on cooperation, data sharing, and contributions to a global diplomacy at its most refined. People watch the live screening of the Dragon Axiom Space CEO Tejpaul Bhatia met astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary during a traditional Indian ceremony in Texas. Ask ChatGPT. (Photo: Tejpaul Bhatia/X) Imagine the appeal for smaller nations: a rising power that speaks their language, shares their development goals, and is willing to train, collaborate, and co-develop. For the Global South, India becomes not a rival but a roadmap. That's symbolism of Shukla's journey - the tricolour patch on his suit, the Isro-designed experiments floating in microgravity, the cultural artefacts from India shared with crewmates is potent. The Gajar ka halwa feast was just a it's the operational depth behind that symbolism that gives it enduring has always dreamed big, but this time, it is executing with precision. In space, it is no longer chasing. It is building. And in doing so, it is crafting a compelling narrative that the world is beginning to take seriously - not just of a nation reaching for the stars, but one inviting others along for the journey. Shubhanshu Shukla greets as he reaches Earth. (Photo: Axiom Space/X) Shux didn't just orbit the Earth. He elevated India's orbit in the world.(Sibu Tripathi heads the Science team at India Today Digital. He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism award.)- Ends(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)Tune InTrending Reel
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Mission Ends with Emotional Family Reunion
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is back on Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station. His return is an important step in India's space journey. Post-Mission Quarantine After landing, he spent two months in quarantine. This is a standard part of astronaut recovery. Doctors tracked his health closely during this time. Limited Family Contact Family visits were allowed but only from a distance. His child was not allowed to get close. No hugs or touching were permitted during the isolation. Emotional Reunion After completing quarantine, he reunited with his family. He was finally able to hug his loved ones. The moment was filled with joy and emotion. Support for India's Space Goals This mission supports India's space program. It prepares for future missions like Gaganyaan. India is working toward sending astronauts on its own. Global Cooperation in Space This was part of an international mission. India is now more active in global space research. The Human Side of Space Travel Space missions are scientific but also emotional. Astronauts face long separations from family. Shukla's story shows the balance of science and family.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Why Shubhanshu Shukla matters so much for India's space tech
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after an 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission . But his touchdown will translate into a big takeoff -- India's indigenous human spaceflight programme. Shukla's safe splashdown off the California coast marked more than just the end of a pioneering spaceflight; it symbolized a new chapter for India's ambitions in space exploration. Shukla's mission represents the country's first human presence aboard the ISS and serves as a vital stepping stone toward Gaganyaan , India's mission to send people into space using its own technology. His experience offers both practical insight and symbolic momentum to a nation on the brink of joining the elite club of spacefaring powers with crewed capabilities. What Shukla achieved on the Axiom-4 mission As the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla played a critical role in operating SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, including its launch, docking, undocking, and re-entry. His position made him the first Indian military pilot to execute real-time operations aboard a commercial spacecraft alongside a veteran like Peggy Whitson. This exposure to both the technical and psychological challenges of space travel was critical for an astronaut preparing for India's future crewed missions. In orbit, Shukla was actively involved in over 60 scientific experiments , a significant portion of which were India-led. These included studies on plant growth using Indian staples like moong and methi, analysis of cyanobacteria and microalgae for sustainable life-support systems , and experiments involving tardigrades to understand biological resilience in space. Other research explored muscle atrophy, diabetes monitoring, and the physiological effects of prolonged screen exposure in microgravity. These experiments were not abstract exercises. They provide essential insights into the design of life-support and medical systems for long-duration missions, key for India's ambitions in independent space habitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Marvelousa Undo Perhaps more subtly, Shukla also contributed to outreach and education. He interacted remotely with Indian schoolchildren and researchers, offering a glimpse into life aboard the ISS. From daily routines to adapting to life without conventional bathing and handling hygiene through wipes, his lived experience in microgravity offers ISRO a real-world dataset on human adaptation beyond Earth's atmosphere. Also Read | Axiom 4 mission: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla 'Shux' returns to Earth as Grace splashes down in Pacific Live Events Strategic impact on India's space ecosystem The Axiom-4 mission is far from a standalone achievement. It has directly enhanced India's technical readiness for human spaceflight. Shukla's mission provided ISRO with hands-on feedback on spacecraft systems integration, ground communication protocols, and emergency response procedures, all critical components for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The scientific outcomes of his experiments will influence not only mission design but also academic and industrial research within India. From universities to biotech startups, many domestic players were involved in conceptualizing and building the payloads for Axiom-4. This collaborative structure lays the groundwork for a robust space-tech ecosystem within the country. Equally important is the human resource development angle. Shukla's training regimen, which included simulations, quarantine protocols and rigorous health monitoring, serves as a model for preparing future Indian astronauts. It also underscores the physiological and psychological benchmarks ISRO must meet in its astronaut selection and training processes for Gaganyaan. Beyond technology and science, Shukla's participation strengthens India's space diplomacy. The Axiom-4 mission, executed in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, situates India firmly in global commercial and scientific space efforts. This enhances ISRO's credibility as a partner in multinational missions and opens up avenues for joint research and investment. Also Read | PM Modi welcomes Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as Dragon returns to Earth Gaganyaan: The next giant leap India's Gaganyaan programme, for which Shukla and three others have been selected, is designed to send a crew of three astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for up to seven days using an indigenously developed launch system and crew module. With its first uncrewed test flights scheduled for 2025 and a human flight targeted for 2027, Gaganyaan will make India the fourth nation -- after the United States, Russia and China -- to independently send humans into space. Technologically, Gaganyaan represents a significant leap. It requires a human-rated launch vehicle, advanced re-entry systems and life-support mechanisms that India is developing from the ground up. It also demands complex ground infrastructure, ranging from astronaut training facilities to mission control networks capable of handling the nuances of human spaceflight. But Gaganyaan is more than a technical challenge. It is a strategic national goal that will elevate India's global standing, drive research in advanced materials and bio-sciences, and serve as a catalyst for broader participation in lunar and interplanetary exploration. It also inspires a new generation of scientists and engineers by placing human spaceflight within the nation's grasp. Why Shukla's mission is a turning point The importance of Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in Axiom-4 goes far beyond the symbolic. It marks India's entry into the practical realities of living and working in space. His training and mission execution create a reference framework for ISRO as it prepares for human flight. The scientific results he helped gather will refine space medicine, agriculture, and life-support technologies. Economically, the mission -- backed by Rs 550 crore in investment -- has already sparked interest and growth in India's nascent space start-up sector. Strategically, it sends a clear message: India is no longer an emerging participant in human spaceflight but an active contributor shaping its future. Shubhanshu Shukla's successful journey aboard Axiom-4 marks a significant inflection point in India's space history. It merges symbolic achievement with functional progress, demonstrating both capability and intent. As India moves closer to launching its own astronauts aboard its own spacecraft, Shukla's experience offers a blueprint as well as a boost.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
What's next for Shubhanshu Shukla, other astronauts on return from space mission
After orbiting the Earth 288 times and spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely to Earth on Tuesday afternoon. Alongside astronauts from Poland and Hungary, Shukla became the first Indian to travel to space in over four decades. The multinational crew's journey came to an end with a smooth splashdown in San Diego, California. Their SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS and completed its journey home in less than 24 hours, bringing Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission Axiom-4 to a successful close. The return from space is just the beginning of a new phase for astronauts. Immediately after splashdown, Shukla and his crewmates were assisted out of the capsule by SpaceX recovery teams. On board the recovery vessel, they will undergo initial medical checks to assess their vital signs and overall condition. These checks are part of a post-flight health monitoring protocol designed to track changes in the body caused by spaceflight. Since health parameters are recorded before launch, comparisons post-landing help scientists and doctors understand the effects of microgravity on the human body. The Axiom-4 pilot Shukla will undergo a battery of tests including cardiovascular assessments, balance and coordination evaluations, immune function checks, and series of psychological. NASA and the Indian Air Force will monitor his physical and mental health closely over the coming weeks. Adjusting back to Earth's gravity is not immediate. During their stay in microgravity, astronauts experience muscle atrophy, a reduction in bone density, and a shift in bodily fluids that can affect circulation and organ function. To help the body readjust, astronauts are given personalised reconditioning plan. The plan also aim to re-train the body's muscle sense system, the sensory network that helps a person sense position and movement which is disrupted in space. Speaking from the ISS during the mission, Shukla mentioned the disorientation he felt in the initial days of spaceflight. 'It's the first time for me, so I don't know what to expect (upon return). The only hope is — I did have some symptoms coming up — so I am hoping that I will not have it going down. Unless and until I get the worst of both the worlds and I get it both the times,' he stated. Astronauts often experience what is termed as 'space motion sickness' in their early days in orbit. The brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear, which normally helps us stay balanced under Earth's gravity. Upon return, the challenge reverses as the body readapts to gravity, sometimes making simple acts like standing up or dificulty in walking. According to reports, Shukla and his crewmates will soon be transported to NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, either by ship or aircraft. Since 2022, Axiom has led several private missions to the ISS as part of NASA's broader initiative to commercialise space and eventually replace the ISS with privately built stations. NASA plans to decommission the ISS by 2030 after more than three decades in orbit.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi welcomes Shubhanshu Shukla back to Earth: 'Inspired a billion dreams'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returned from the International Space Station after spending nearly three weeks there as part of the Axiom 4 mission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on June 28.(File/PMO) PM Modi said that Shukla has 'inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit' by becoming India's first astronaut to have visited the ISS. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 mission crew splashed down at around 3.00 pm on Tuesday, July 15 (Indian time) after a journey that lasted for over 22 hours. The spacecraft undocked from the ISS on July 14, 2025, after completing planned activities and experiments. Track live updates of Axiom-4 mission return here. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, 'I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India's first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit.' 'It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan,' he added. Also read: Home ahoy! Shubhanshu Shukla, crew back on Earth after 18-day space odyssey as Axiom-4 spacecraft lands | Watch Shubhanshu Shukla, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, is the first Indian to travel to the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma. Axiom-4 Mission Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who piloted the Axiom-4 mission, left with the rest of the crew for the International Space Station on June 25. Apart from Shukla, the crew includes Mission Commandor Peggy Whitson from the United States, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu. The crew has returned after spending nearly three weeks on the ISS where they conducted over 60 microgravity experiments. They are returning with a cargo of science samples from the experiments due for shipment to researchers back on Earth for final analysis, reported Reuters. Axiom-4 mission marks first human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary in 40 years.
