India has waited a long time for this.Since 1984, not a single Indian has flown into space. That year, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel beyond Earth, aboard a Soviet spacecraft. His journey was unforgettable. His words, "Saare jahan se accha," were etched into history. Now, after 41 years, the wait is finally over.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, has become the second Indian to travel to space, and the first to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Who is Shubhanshu Shukla ? Shubhanshu Shukla is an accomplished Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and one of four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. On June 25, 2025, he launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, flying in a Crew Dragon capsule as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This made him: The first Indian to fly on a private international space mission The first Indian aboard the ISS The second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma What Is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)? Ax-4 is a private space mission organized by Axiom Space, in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and ESA (European Space Agency). The crew includes astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and Italy. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and is expected to last about 14 days. Launch of Falcon 9 Furthermore, This mission is organized by Axiom Space, includes astronauts from Hungary, Italy, and Poland. Partnerships with NASA, SpaceX, and ESA made this possible. And now, India is proudly part of that international crew. The International Space Station Additionally, Shukla will spend around 14 days aboard the ISS. During this time, over 60 scientific experiments will be conducted. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) designed and curated the experiments. Some experiments will focus on microgravity and space farming. For example, Indian legumes are tested for growth in zero gravity. Others will explore the effects of space on the human body. Shukla will interact with Indian students live from the ISS, inspiring the next generation of explorers. From Rakesh Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla In 1984, Rakesh Sharma made history. It was a Soviet-led mission as India was a guest. Shubhanshu Shukla's journey signals India’s return, this time, on a global stage. He is part of the team. He is representing 1.4 billion Indians in space. Why This Mission Matters It’s India’s re-entry into human spaceflight. It prepares for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission. India is now contributing directly to ISS research and international cooperation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Who was the first Indian in space? Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. Is this India’s first time on the ISS? Yes. Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS. How long will this mission last? Approximately 14 days. What is Gaganyaan? ISRO’s mission to send Indian astronauts aboard an Indian spacecraft by 2027. Who runs this mission? No, this is a private international mission by Axiom Space, with contributions from ISRO in the form of scientific experiments. Conclusion India's Shukla journey is a significant milestone in its development and readiness for the future. After 40 years of waiting, with vision, teamwork, and resolve, India has finally reached the stars. This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Indian space exploration, with the hopes of 1.4 billion people.
