Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Set Foot on International Space Station
In a landmark moment for India’s space journey, Indian Air Force test pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS).
His arrival aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, following a 28-hour orbital journey, marks a giant leap for India in international space exploration.
Shukla, who is only the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, reached the ISS on Thursday as part of the Axiom-4 private spaceflight mission.
He is accompanied by three other astronauts for a 14-day scientific expedition in low Earth orbit.
A New Chapter in Space
As the Dragon spacecraft orbited Earth before docking, Shukla offered his early impressions of space. Describing his first steps in microgravity, he said, “I’m learning to live like a baby up here. The sensation of floating is simply amazing.”
Upon entering the ISS, Shukla and his fellow astronauts received a warm welcome from the Expedition-73 crew already stationed there. In his first remarks during the formal welcome ceremony, Shukla said in Hindi:
“With your blessings and love, I have arrived at the International Space Station. Standing here looks easy, but I’m experiencing a slight heaviness in the head, just minor issues. I’m grateful to represent India here.”
He added with pride, “I am astronaut number 634. It’s a privilege to be among those who have had the opportunity to see the Earth from such a remarkable perspective.”
A Warm Reception, A Proud Moment
In his first message from aboard the ISS, Shukla thanked Peggy Whitson, the mission commander, for her leadership and support.
“Thank you, Peggy. Being astronaut 634 is a privilege,” he said with a smile. “It’s been a fantastic ride getting here. But what made it even better was the welcome we received. The crew made us feel at home the moment we arrived.”
Though he admitted to some initial physical discomfort—“my head felt heavy”—he said the Indian tricolour on his shoulder reminded him that he carried the hopes of a billion Indians with him.
Scientific Experiments in Space
During his 14-day stay on the ISS, Shukla is scheduled to carry out several key scientific experiments, including:
-
Studying the growth of microalgae—highly nutritious organisms—in microgravity conditions.
-
Investigating whether nutritional supplements can help prevent muscle loss in space, a finding that could prove valuable in treating muscle degeneration among the elderly on Earth.