PART: 2- Indians in Space

 PART: 2 Indian history 

🌌 Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Axiom‑4 Mission: a indian astronaut 

As a Canadian space researcher and astronaut, I’ve witnessed Earth from space multiple times—and every mission carries the weight of generations’ dreams. Today, I’m particularly moved by the journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel in space, and the first to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in over 40 years .

🚀 A Flight Rooted in Global Partnership

Launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, the Axiom‑4 mission departed on June 25, 2025, marking a remarkable comeback for India on the world stage of human spaceflight . As Canada gears up for its own future in space, we celebrate this milestone as a win for global collaboration and civilian-led space exploration.

👨‍✈️ All about Shubhanshu Shukla?

1:Rank: Group Captain, Indian Air Force & ISRO-selected astronaut

2:Born: October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh  

3:Training: National Defence Academy, IAF Academy, ISRO and NASA astronaut training

4:Flight experience: 2,000+ flying hours, Su-30MKI and other jets 

5:His selection as pilot of the Ax‑4 mission brought renewed optimism to India’s Gaganyaan project, which aims to launch an indigenous crewed space mission by 2027 .

🧪 Shubhanshu Shukla mission on ISS

During Shukla’s two-week stay, he will conduct 60+ experiments, including:

Tardigrade resilience in microgravity—to test biomolecular survival in space.

Fenugreek and Moong sprouting—part of life‑support biotech research aligned with Gaganyaan needs.

Nutritional, cognitive, and fitness studies for long‑duration human spaceflight.

🌍 Proud for Indians 

Although Shubhanshu is the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, he is the second Indian national in space—the first being Rakesh Sharma aboard a Soviet mission in 1984 .

Teaming with Peggy Whitson (USA), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Sławosz Uznanski‑Wiśniewski (Poland), this mission symbolizes a powerful alliance of international civilian astronauts, underscoring the commercial and cooperative shift in human space activities 

🛰️ Docking & Reflections

On June 26, the Dragon capsule “Grace” successfully docked at the ISS. Upon arrival, Shubhanshu shared:

Back in Lucknow, his family, friends, and the entire nation erupted in pride—chants of “Hip Hip Hurray,” emotional tears, and bhangra welcomed this triumph and his safe lift-off .

🇨🇦 A Canadian View on Global Space Collaboration

Canada has always thrived on collaboration—whether through the Canadarm or partnerships with NASA and ESA. Shukla’s mission echoes our philosophy: collective progress in space is a global victory.

As we prepare for missions like Lunar Gateway and Artemis, Shubhanshu’s journey reminds us that space exploration transcends borders, and every astronaut strengthens the fabric of human unity.

FOR YOU 

This isn’t just an Indian success—it’s humanity’s next step. It’s a message to future Canadian scientists and spacefarers: the sky isn't the limit—it’s just the beginning.