Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Journey to the International Space Station
On June 25, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the second Indian astronaut to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984. Launching aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla is part of the Axiom Space’s fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
A Message from Space: Uniting India Under the Tricolour
Just ten minutes into the flight, Shukla sent an uplifting message to millions of Indians watching anxiously from Earth. Speaking in Hindi, he said, “Greetings, my fellow countrymen. What a ride. After 41 years, we have made it back to space. And what a magnificent journey it has been. Right now, we are orbiting the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. On my shoulder, I carry the Indian tricolour, symbolizing that I am here with all of you.”
His heartfelt words captured the essence of this milestone – not just a personal achievement, but a national moment marking India’s re-entry into human spaceflight.
More Than a Mission: The Dawn of India’s Human Spaceflight Program
Shukla emphasized that this voyage represents far more than his individual journey. “This is not just the beginning of my journey to the International Space Station — it’s the beginning of India’s human spaceflight program,” he remarked. He invited all Indians to become a part of this groundbreaking chapter in the nation’s space exploration story.
The mission includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary – each marking their countries’ first presence on the ISS. This collaboration also signifies the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over four decades, highlighting international cooperation in private space travel.
Scientific Endeavors and Future Aspirations
During their stay aboard the ISS, Shukla and his fellow crew members will conduct a series of experiments designed to bolster microgravity research in India. These efforts lay the groundwork for ambitious plans such as India’s goal to build its own space station by 2035 and an eventual crewed lunar mission targeted for 2047, aligning with the country’s centenary of independence.
The scheduled docking with the ISS is set for approximately 4:30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26. Analysts and enthusiasts alike regard this mission as a pivotal moment in the evolution of private and national space endeavors, symbolizing a new era of opportunities for Indian astronauts and the scientific community.
Looking Ahead: India’s Space Exploration on the Rise
Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful lift-off and inspiring message ignite hope and excitement across India and the global space community. His mission not only continues the legacy of Indian astronauts but also paves the way for future generations to dream bigger and reach higher among the stars.
