Indian astronaut and Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India can take a leadership role in the space sector in the coming years.
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| PM Modi Meets with Shubhanshu Shukla |
During a conversation with the Prime Minister on Monday evening, August 18, Shukla mentioned that despite setbacks, the government's backing of the Indian space program could enable the country to achieve this leadership.
I believe there is a significant opportunity for us, especially because the government is committed to sustaining the space program and is consistently allocating a budget each year, Shukla said. This continues despite failures like Chandrayaan 2. Even after that, we decided to move forward, and then Chandrayaan 3 was successful.
He continued, Even with such setbacks, we are receiving substantial support, and the whole world is watching. We have the capability to take a leadership role here. It would be a major tool, a space station led by India, where others would want to join.
At the Prime Minister's residence, PM Modi welcomed Shukla with a hug and several pats on the back.
Shukla returned to India on Sunday, August 17, after successfully completing his Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station. He was greeted by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in New Delhi.
More About Shubhanshu Shukla
Shubhanshu Shukla is a notable Group Captain in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, and made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
Early Life and Education
- Shukla finished his schooling at City Montessori School in Lucknow and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy.
- He holds a Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science.
Career Highlights
1. Indian Air Force
Shukla has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.
2. ISRO Astronaut
He was selected as one of four astronauts for India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, and received training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.
3. Axiom-4 Mission
Shukla served as the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, where he conducted experiments related to medicine, agriculture, and space exploration.
Personal Life
- Shukla is married to Kamna Shubha Shukla, a dentist, and they have a son who was born in 2020.
- He is known to be agnostic but believes in horoscopes.
Achievements
- First Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS)
- Second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984
- Conducted experiments on the ISS, including testing plant growth in microgravity and studying the effects of space travel on the human body
Mission Details
- Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida
- Spent 18 days at the ISS conducting experiments and research
- Returned to Earth on July 15, 2025, with a splashdown landing off the coast of California.
India's space sector is gaining momentum. Key points emerged from Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Here are some crucial takeaways:
1. Global Interest in Gaganyaan
Shubhanshu Shukla emphasized the worldwide interest in India's Gaganyaan mission. International partners are eager to collaborate and attend the launch, showing India's growing reputation in space exploration.
2. Need for More Astronauts
PM Modi stressed the necessity for a pool of 40-50 astronauts to support India's future space missions. Shukla's experience and insights will be crucial in developing the country’s astronaut program.
3. Challenges in Space Exploration
Shukla talked about living in space's challenges, such as adjusting to microgravity and managing food supplies. He pointed out that food is a significant issue on the International Space Station due to limits on storage space and the high cost of transporting cargo.
4. Inspiring the Next Generation
Shukla's mission has motivated many young Indians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). PM Modi praised Shukla for his accomplishments and for encouraging Indians to aim high.
5. India's Space Ambitions
The meeting highlighted India's ambitious goals, including plans to create its own space station by 2035 and land an astronaut on the moon by 2040. Shukla's Axiom-4 mission experience will greatly contribute to these objectives.
6. Private Sector Involvement
India's space sector is increasingly engaging with private companies, which are set to drive innovation and lower costs. This shift is expected to help India achieve its lunar goals by 2040.
7. International Collaboration
Shukla's mission shows India's growing collaboration with international partners in space exploration. This cooperation will be essential for reaching India's ambitious space goals and establishing itself as a global leader in the field.
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