Is Shubhanshu Shukla's Mission to ISS a Historic Milestone for India?
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Synopsis
Get ready to witness history as Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on his journey to the ISS, marking a monumental achievement for India. His family’s pride and the nation’s excitement reflect the significance of this mission. Dive into the inspiring story of dedication, ambition, and groundbreaking scientific exploration.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS.
- The launch is on June 10 from the Kennedy Space Centre.
- He will conduct food and nutrition experiments in space.
- The mission is part of India's Gaganyaan program.
- His journey inspires future generations in science and technology.
New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) As IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to make history as the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), his family expressed that this achievement is a moment of immense pride for both the nation and his loved ones.
Scheduled for June 10 at 8:22 a.m. ET (5:52 p.m. IST), Axiom Space will launch Shukla and three other astronauts to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
While Shukla will make history as the first Indian to reach the ISS, he will follow in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew to the Salyut 7 space station in 1984.
Shukla's mother told IANS from Lucknow, “We are incredibly proud; our son has achieved something that is a source of pride in itself...”.
She encouraged parents to inspire their children to carve their own paths and aim high.
His father praised the launch to the ISS as a significant accomplishment for the country, marking a notable milestone after a span of 40 years.
Shukla's sister highlighted the dedication he has shown from the onset of his career to reach this pivotal moment.
“This is a matter of great pride for our entire family...,” she noted.
The IAF officer is the youngest astronaut-designate involved in India’s Gaganyaan mission, which is the nation’s inaugural human spaceflight initiative.
As his historic space journey approaches, Shukla's hometown is in celebratory spirits, adorned with posters, car stickers, and cutouts displayed proudly at his home.
Shukla will be piloting the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., with crew members including mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Once onboard the ISS, Shukla is expected to conduct specialized food and nutrition experiments.
These experiments, developed through collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with NASA's support, aim to innovate space nutrition and establish self-sustaining life support systems essential for extended space missions.
This study will assess the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich food source with high potential.
The research will focus on key growth parameters and the variations in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space versus Earth conditions.
Point of View
I see Shubhanshu Shukla's mission as a significant leap for India in the field of space exploration. His achievement not only highlights the capabilities of our astronauts but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. This historic event showcases our nation's commitment to advancing scientific research and technology in space.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an IAF Group Captain who is preparing to become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station.
When is Shubhanshu Shukla's launch scheduled?
His launch is scheduled for June 10 at 8:22 a.m. ET.
What will Shubhanshu Shukla do at the ISS?
He will conduct specialized food and nutrition experiments aimed at pioneering space nutrition.
What is the Gaganyaan mission?
The Gaganyaan mission is India's first human spaceflight initiative.
Why is this mission significant for India?
This mission marks a major milestone for India in space exploration and reflects the nation's advancements in technology and research.
