Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Insights from Historic ISS Mission and India's Future Space Aspirations

The space is a "great place to be", said Shubhanshu Shukla (File)

Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, remarked on Wednesday that India is fostering "big and bold dreams" by venturing into human spaceflight after a 41-year gap.

Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the inaugural Indian to reach the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He returned to Indian soil from the United States on August 17, 2025, following his 18-day mission.

During an interaction with schoolchildren at an event organized by the Indian Centre for Space Physics in Kolkata, Shukla described space as a "great place to be," characterized by profound tranquility and an "amazing view" that becomes increasingly captivating over time.

"The longer you stay, the more you enjoy it," Shukla expressed, adding humorously that he "actually kind of did not want to come back."

The astronaut noted that experiencing space firsthand was substantially different from his training preparations.

He emphasized that India's future in space science appears "very bright," with the nation harboring "very big and bold dreams."

Shukla characterized his ISS journey, accomplished with American support, as a vital "stepping stone" toward achieving India's 'Vision Gaganyaan.'

"The experience gained is a national asset. It is already being utilized by internal committees and design teams to ensure ongoing missions are on the right track," he explained.

According to Shukla, India's space aspirations encompass the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, the development of Bharatiya Station (India's dedicated space station), and eventually a human Moon landing.

While the lunar mission is projected for 2040, Shukla confirmed these initiatives are already underway, predicting the field will develop at a "very rapid pace" during the next 10-20 years.

Addressing the students, he acknowledged these goals are challenging but "achievable by people like you," encouraging them to embrace India's aspirations.

He projected significant employment opportunities would emerge as India enhances its human spaceflight capabilities.

Echoing the famous words of Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, Shukla affirmed that from orbit, "India is still the best in the world."

He emphasized that his achievement belonged not just to him but to the entire nation.

"The youth of India are extremely talented. They must stay focused, remain curious and work hard. It is their responsibility to help build a developed India by 2047," he stated.

Highlighting a change since Sharma's era, Shukla noted that India is now developing a comprehensive astronaut ecosystem.

With Gaganyaan and upcoming missions, Indian children will be able to not only dream of becoming astronauts but realize those dreams within their homeland, he explained.

"Space missions help a village kid believe he can go to space someday. When you send one person to space, you lift million hopes. That is why such programmes must continue... The sky is not the limit," Shukla remarked.

"Scientists must prepare for systems that will last 20-30 years, while ensuring they can integrate technologies that will emerge a decade from now," he advised.

Shukla expressed his desire for additional space missions and particular interest in conducting a space walk, which would require "training for another two years."