In a proud and historic moment for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut, recently shared his first photograph from aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This image, showing him floating in microgravity inside the station’s iconic modules, has become a symbol of India’s rising presence in human spaceflight. But the photograph is just the start of Shubhanshu’s groundbreaking activities over the past three days. Let’s take a detailed look at his journey so far and the important milestones he has achieved.
A Historic Arrival on the International Space Station
On June 26, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to board the ISS. He arrived with three other international crew members as part of the private Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission marked a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The launch took place aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named “Grace,” which successfully docked with the ISS after a nearly 36-hour journey. Upon arrival, Shukla was greeted warmly by the seven existing Expedition 73 astronauts already aboard the station. His entry into the ISS was celebrated not just inside the station but also by millions back home in India.
The First Picture: A Symbol of National Pride
Just hours after boarding the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla shared his first photo from space. The image featured him floating in zero gravity with the background showing ISS modules filled with equipment, control panels, and storage compartments. Wearing his blue flight suit, with the Indian tricolor patch on the shoulder, Shukla looked both excited and emotional.
The picture quickly went viral across Indian social media platforms, news channels, and international space forums. It became more than just a photo—it was a visual symbol of India’s growing role in space exploration.
Starting Science Right Away: The Muscle Loss Experiment
One of Shubhanshu’s key responsibilities during this mission is conducting scientific experiments relevant to human spaceflight. On his first full day aboard the ISS, he began working on a muscle loss study. This experiment focuses on how human muscles weaken in a microgravity environment.
Microgravity affects muscle tone and strength because astronauts do not use their muscles as much as they do on Earth. The data collected from Shubhanshu’s experiment will help scientists develop better exercise routines and countermeasures for long-duration missions in space. It could also have applications for bedridden patients on Earth or people with muscle-degenerative diseases.
For India, this is historic. Shubhanshu became the first Indian astronaut to conduct a biological science experiment aboard the ISS. ISRO scientists and medical teams back on Earth are monitoring the progress of the study.
Emotional Connection: Prime Minister Modi’s Video Call
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the past three days was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly to Shubhanshu Shukla via a live video call from Earth. This special interaction took place on June 28.
During the conversation, the Prime Minister congratulated Shubhanshu on making India proud and mentioned that although he is physically far away, he remains closest to the hearts of 140 crore Indians. Shubhanshu, visibly moved, described the beauty of Earth from space, saying he saw no borders—just one big, beautiful planet.
The Prime Minister also mentioned how this mission represents the first step toward India’s future space station and human spaceflight missions under the Gaganyaan program. The entire nation watched the live broadcast of this interaction, with many expressing their pride and emotions on social media.
Life in Microgravity: Challenges and Adaptation
Transitioning from Earth’s gravity to a microgravity environment is not easy, even for experienced pilots like Shubhanshu. In his first communication with mission control, Shubhanshu admitted to feeling slightly dizzy and unsteady during the initial hours.
These symptoms are common among astronauts during their first few days in space. Known as “space adaptation syndrome,” this condition usually includes dizziness, disorientation, and loss of appetite. However, Shubhanshu adjusted quickly. Within 48 hours, he was seen moving comfortably through the modules, operating equipment, and even performing small tasks that required agility and coordination.
His successful adjustment to microgravity is an important learning experience for ISRO, as the agency prepares for its upcoming crewed Gaganyaan missions.
A Taste of Home: Indian Meals in Space
To keep up his strength and morale, Shubhanshu’s food menu aboard the ISS includes specially prepared Indian dishes. Indian scientists and nutritionists worked with international space food providers to create dehydrated versions of Indian favorites.
Dishes like gajar halwa (carrot dessert) and moong dal halwa (lentil-based dessert) were specially sent for him. These space-adapted versions are packed with essential nutrients and designed to taste as close as possible to home-cooked meals.
Shubhanshu’s fellow astronauts also showed interest in sampling some of these Indian dishes, making this a moment of cultural exchange aboard the station.
Educational Outreach: Inspiring the Next Generation
As part of his mission objectives, Shubhanshu has participated in live educational sessions with students in India. In one such event, he interacted with school children, answering their questions about space travel, science, and life aboard the ISS.
Interestingly, during these interactions, Shubhanshu introduced a small swan-shaped doll named “Joy,” which serves as his zero-gravity indicator. The doll floats freely inside the ISS, visually demonstrating the microgravity environment to students watching back on Earth.
These outreach programs are part of a broader mission objective: to inspire Indian youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Training for Gaganyaan: Valuable Experience for India’s Space Future
Every minute of Shubhanshu Shukla’s time aboard the ISS is providing ISRO with critical information and experience. His role as a pilot on the Axiom-4 mission is not just symbolic—it has practical importance.
He is gaining firsthand experience in spacecraft control, station operations, scientific experiments, and human factors in space travel. This operational knowledge will be crucial for India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit aboard an Indian-made spacecraft within the next few years.
Shubhanshu’s learnings will also help shape astronaut training modules, emergency protocols, and life-support system designs for ISRO’s future missions.
Upcoming Tasks for Shubhanshu Shukla
Over the next few days, Shubhanshu will continue participating in multiple activities on the ISS:
- Continuing the muscle-loss and biomedical experiments
- Engaging in regular physical exercises to counter muscle and bone loss
- Performing station maintenance tasks alongside international crewmates
- Participating in additional educational outreach sessions
- Documenting his experience for future training programs at ISRO
He will also continue adapting to the psychological and physical challenges that come with life in space, including sleeping while floating, using specially designed space toilets, and managing communication with both mission control and family back on Earth.
A Proud Moment for India and a Glimpse Into the Future
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS marks a giant leap for India’s human spaceflight program. After a gap of more than four decades since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984, India now has a new space ambassador representing the country on a global stage.
His work is not just about scientific experiments or personal achievements—it is about inspiring an entire generation and laying the groundwork for future Indian missions in space.
With every experiment he conducts, every photo he shares, and every word he speaks from orbit, Shubhanshu is making history—not just for himself, but for every aspiring scientist, student, and dreamer back on Earth.
As he spends the coming days aboard the ISS, one thing is certain: India’s journey in space has entered an exciting new chapter, with Shubhanshu Shukla as its shining star.