Shubhanshu Shukla is an esteemed Indian astronaut selected for future human space missions under ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme. His upcoming journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission represents a significant advancement in India’s efforts towards human spaceflight. This mission offers ISRO an opportunity to acquire valuable firsthand astronaut training experience in space, heralding a new chapter in India’s space ambitions.
In contrast to earlier Indian astronauts, such as Rakesh Sharma in 1984, who flew on foreign missions, Shukla’s flight is set within a commercial context yet maintains a strong connection to India’s indigenous Gaganyaan programme. Unlike previous symbolic achievements, this mission is intricately linked to the development of India’s long-term human spaceflight capabilities.
Currently, India lacks comprehensive astronaut training facilities for human spaceflight. Therefore, selected Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan programme, including Shukla, underwent training in Russia. This collaboration has been instrumental in bridging capability gaps and enhancing technical expertise until India establishes its own astronaut training center.
The Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit, ranging from 200 to 2000 kilometers above Earth, utilizing an indigenous spacecraft. The mission focuses on demonstrating safe launch procedures, crew re-entry, life support systems, and safe return protocols. This will mark India’s inaugural crewed spaceflight, positioning the nation as the fourth country globally, following the US, Russia, and China, to achieve such an accomplishment.
Indeed, India has announced its intentions to construct a small space station by 2035. With the ISS projected to retire by 2030, India aims to contribute to global space research and establish its own permanent orbital facility in the long term.
India’s participation in commercial missions enhances international collaboration, elevates the experience of Indian astronauts, aids ISRO in testing its capabilities prior to fully indigenous missions, and strengthens diplomatic and scientific ties with both space agencies and private enterprises.
Developing human spaceflight capabilities bolsters India’s standing in the global space arena. It attracts private investments, stimulates research, creates job opportunities, and fosters advancements in national security and technology. Furthermore, commercial training and space tourism may emerge as promising sectors in the future.
The landscape of human spaceflight is evolving from being exclusively state-run to embracing private and mixed models. Private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin are pioneering reusable rockets, sending astronauts into space, and even planning missions to the Moon and Mars. India is making strides within this expanding space ecosystem by investing in both governmental and commercial initiatives.
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