Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Expresses Hope for a Fully Indigenous Space Mission

New Delhi, August 21: Riding high on the success of the International Space Station (ISS) mission, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed confidence that India will soon witness a spaceflight launched with its own capsule, rocket, and from its own soil. He shared his thoughts during a press conference on Thursday, reflecting on his recent experience aboard the ISS.

Shukla described the hands-on exposure during the Axiom-4 mission as invaluable and far more enriching than any classroom training or simulator session. He highlighted that although simulations help prepare an astronaut, the actual launch, the ignition of the rocket, and the subsequent journey into space bring an entirely unique and indescribable sensation. According to him, the feeling of being strapped into a rocket, experiencing lift-off, and finally returning to Earth with a sea landing is something words can hardly capture.

Drawing a parallel to India’s first astronaut Rakesh Sharma, who famously said in 1984 that "India looks best from space", Shukla echoed a similar sentiment, reaffirming that even today, “India still looks the most beautiful from space.”

Speaking about his Axiom-4 mission experience, Shukla emphasized that the knowledge and practical insights he gained during the mission will significantly benefit India’s upcoming human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. He believes that the learning from his participation in the ISS will serve as a crucial input in enhancing India's preparedness for such ambitious projects.

As per agency report, the astronaut’s remarks reflect India’s growing confidence and readiness in the field of human spaceflight, as the country gears up to take a giant leap in space exploration through indigenous means.