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First Indian to Enter the ISS

27 Jun 2025 GS 3 Science & Technology

Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Enter the ISS

  • Historic Achievement: IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26, 2025.

  • He became the 634th person to travel to space and was formally welcomed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after a 28-hour journey as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).

  • Mission Details:

    • Part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launched by Axiom Space from Florida.

    • Served as Mission Pilot aboard the Dragon crew capsule.

    • The capsule docked with the ISS at 4:01 p.m. IST, with the process completed by 4:15 p.m. IST, over the North Atlantic Ocean.

  • Gaganyaan Link:

    • Shukla is one of four astronauts designated for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission (first Indian human spaceflight, expected no earlier than 2026).

    • Another designate, Prasanth Nair, was part of the Ax-4 backup crew.

    • ISRO paid over ₹500 crore for including Indian astronauts in the Ax-4 mission.

  • Training:

    • Shukla and Nair underwent advanced training at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre (USA).

    • All four Gaganyaan astronauts, including Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap, also trained in Russia.

    • US and Russian training were chosen due to their vast experience in human spaceflight.

  • Mission Duration & Activities:

    • The astronauts will spend two weeks aboard the ISS.

    • Tasks include conducting scientific experiments (including eight from ISRO) and assisting in ISS maintenance.

Significance for India:

  • Marks India’s first human presence aboard the ISS.

  • Enhances international cooperation in space (with Axiom, NASA, and Roscosmos).

  • Critical step in preparing for India's independent crewed mission (Gaganyaan).



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