Shubhanshu Shukla Takes the Indian Tricolour to the ISS — A Giant Leap for India’s Space Ambitions

 

On June 25, 2025, India witnessed a historic milestone in its space journey as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot, became the second Indian to orbit Earth and the first to visit the International Space Station (ISS) through a commercial spaceflight mission. This monumental achievement not only rekindles the legacy of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight but also marks a new chapter in India’s ascent as a global space power.

Shukla’s voyage aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’ under the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) symbolizes India’s growing prowess in human spaceflight and international space collaboration. Unlike the symbolic Soviet-led mission of the 1980s, Shukla’s flight is a commercially arranged, technologically advanced endeavor that directly complements India’s indigenous Gaganyaan program, slated for launch in 2027.

Carrying the Indian tricolour on his shoulders, Shukla’s heartfelt message from orbit resonated deeply across thenation:"Namaskar, my dear countrymen, we have reached space after 41 years. The tricolour tells me I am with you all. This is not just the start of my journey to the ISS but also the beginning of India’s human spaceflight era."

This moment of pride was shared by over 1.4 billion Indians, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his heartfelt wishes and emphasizing the hopes and aspirations Shukla carries for the nation.

Beyond symbolism, Shukla’s mission is a critical operational step for India. As mission pilot, he is conducting approximately 60 scientific experiments aboard the ISS, focusing on microgravity’s effects on human physiology, including muscle loss and space nutrition—research that holds promise for advancing medical science on Earth. His experience aboard the ISS also provides invaluable insights into spaceflight operations, safety protocols, and international crew collaboration, which will directly benefit India’s upcoming crewed missions.

The mission highlights India’s expanding international partnerships. It strengthens ties with NASA, SpaceX, and private space enterprises like Axiom Space, while also reflecting close cooperation with Russia, France, and Australia in astronaut training, life support systems, and crew recovery. This collaborative approach accelerates India’s readiness to establish its own space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035 and pursue ambitious lunar missions by 2040.

Economically, Shukla’s flight energizes India’s burgeoning space-tech ecosystem, involving hundreds of MSMEs and startups, aiming to capture a significant share of the global $1 trillion space economy. The mission is a testament to India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant space power, fostering innovation and inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey from the classrooms of Lucknow to the vast expanse of space is a story of determination, skill, and national pride. His mission is not just a personal triumph but a collective leap for India, signaling the dawn of a new era where India stands tall as a Global Indian in space exploration. Find more Global Indian stories.