Recently returning from a historic 20-day space journey onboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has stated his strong commitment to using his knowledge and insights for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which is scheduled for 2027.
After a 41-year break from Indian spaceflight, Shukla became the second Indian astronaut to fly to space following Rakesh Sharma’s famous Soviet mission in 1984. This trip marked a key milestone for the nation’s human space endeavors.
Shukla described the experience of meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “deeply moving” in his first public appearance after his return from space. He described this expedition as the beginning of what he refers to as the “second orbit”—a time when India hopes to lead space exploration rather than just follow.
Shukla and his co-pilots, Commander Peggy Whitson and mission experts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu, spent 18 days onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the 21-day Ax-4 mission, which launched on June 25 aboard the Dragon Grace spacecraft.
Shukla was the first Indian astronaut on the ISS, and this trip was the first time in forty years that astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and India have traveled into space.
Shukla emphasized how the rigorous year-long training for this mission resulted in tremendous practical experience and understanding, especially when it came to overseeing operations from launch to recovery.
He emphasized that his initial goals were much exceeded by the knowledge he acquired during his time in space, which included performing experiments and adjusting to the microgravity condition.
He humorously mentioned that after a few days on the ISS, there was no longer any distinction between the “floor” and the “ceiling,” highlighting the quick transition to weightlessness in his account of acclimating to microgravity.
Shukla reported that it took him three to four days to fully restore his balance and physical strength after returning to Earth, requiring a time of re-adaptation to gravity.
He credited extensive training for his smooth rehabilitation and expressed confidence in his physical recovery, stating he felt normal and ready for another mission.
During his speech, Shukla conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Indian government, the Indian Air Force, NASA, SpaceX, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and all other partners who helped make this mission a success.
Shukla’s positive perspective for the future inspires a feeling of revitalized passion and purpose for India’s human spaceflight program.
His first-hand experience onboard the Ax-4 mission is a valuable tool as the nation prepares for the Gaganyaan mission, providing the confidence and practical expertise needed to make the future program a trailblazing success.
Shukla exemplifies the spirit of patriotism and the will to improve India’s standing in the international space community via his voyage.
