Can Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’?
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Synopsis
As India prepares for a historic moment in space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the verge of becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS. With the support of the IAF and his family, Shukla's journey represents a significant leap for India in the realm of human spaceflight. Will he truly touch the sky with glory?
Key Takeaways
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian at the ISS.
- The mission is a collaboration between ISRO and NASA.
- Shukla will conduct vital space nutrition experiments.
- The IAF and his family support him wholeheartedly.
- This mission reflects India's commitment to space exploration.
New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) As the Axiom Space Mission 4 approaches, the Indian Air Force (IAF) extended its best wishes to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, urging him to ‘touch the sky with glory’.
Upon successful completion of the mission, Shukla will make history as the first Indian to step aboard the International Space Station (ISS), following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who journeyed to the space station Salyut 7 in 1984.
Spearheaded by US-based Axiom Space, the mission is set to launch Shukla and three other astronauts to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 11 at 8 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. IST). Originally slated for May 29, the launch was postponed first to June 8 and then to June 10.
“As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla readies himself for the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, the Chief of the Air Staff and all members of the IAF wish him and his crew a safe and successful journey to the International Space Station,” the IAF Media Co-ordination Centre announced on the social media platform X.
“This will mark a significant chapter in the Indian Space Odyssey. Touch the sky with glory!” the post further stated.
Shukla will work alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the US, with Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary as mission specialists.
Air Vice Marshal Sanjay Bhatnagar VM VSM (Retd) praised Shukla as an inspiring figure.
This IAF officer is the youngest astronaut-designate under India’s Gaganyaan mission — the nation’s inaugural human spaceflight initiative.
“A highly inspiring tale of IAF Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla, Mission Pilot for Axiom 4,” Bhatnagar shared on X.
As the momentous lift-off approaches, Shukla's family expressed immense pride for both the nation and their loved one.
“We are incredibly proud; our son has accomplished something that embodies pride itself,” Shukla's mother conveyed to IANS from Lucknow.
His hometown is also joining the celebration with posters and car stickers, with cutouts prominently displayed at his residence.
“From the land of Lord Shri Ram to space! Heartfelt congratulations to Uttar Pradesh’s own Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is about to create history by embarking on a journey to space carrying India’s aspirations. This is a proud moment for every Indian and every family from Uttar Pradesh,” remarked Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of UP, on X.
Once at the ISS, Shukla is anticipated to conduct unique food and nutrition experiments.
These experiments, developed through a partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with NASA's support, aim to advance space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems critical for future long-term space missions.
He will also analyze physical, cognitive, and physiological responses in space, including the effects of continuous electronic displays in microgravity, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the monumental significance of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's mission. This venture not only highlights India's growing capabilities in space exploration but also serves as a source of national pride. The nation's support for Shukla reflects our collective aspirations for advancements in science and technology.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a distinguished officer of the Indian Air Force and the mission pilot for Axiom Space Mission 4, aimed at sending him to the International Space Station.
What is the Axiom Space Mission 4?
Axiom Space Mission 4 is a space mission that will take a crew, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
When is the launch date for the mission?
The launch is scheduled for June 11 at 8 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. IST).
What experiments will Shukla conduct at the ISS?
At the ISS, Shukla will conduct food and nutrition-related experiments, developed in collaboration with ISRO and DBT, focusing on space nutrition and life support systems.
What is the significance of Shukla's journey?
Shukla's journey represents a historic milestone for India, as he will be the first Indian to visit the ISS, contributing to the nation's aspirations in space exploration.
