India Returns to Space Meet the First Indian to Visit the ISS | Front Page
AI Summary
- The video discusses Group Captain Subhangu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Mission 4 on May 29, 2025.
- Subhangu Shukla was born in Lucknow and was inspired to join the Indian Air Force by the Kargil War, having flown various aircraft including Jaguars and MiG-21s.
- This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.
- Shukla’s crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson (NASA veteran), Tibbor Kapor (Hungary), Slavat Usnanski (Poland), and himself representing India.
- They will spend 14 days on the ISS, focusing on cutting-edge research, public outreach, and international collaboration.
- Shukla aims to run selected microgravity experiments and demonstrate yoga in space, capturing the experience for 1.44 billion Indians.
- The mission represents a strategic leap ahead for India, with a 500 crore INR investment and collaboration involving NASA, SpaceX, Axiom, and Israel.
- This mission sets the stage for Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed space mission planned for 2026.
- India’s future ambitions in space include bioastronautics, space manufacturing, and the establishment of the Bhya space station by 2035.
- Shukla’s journey is seen as a symbol of India’s aspirations in space, highlighting that India is no longer just catching up but is actively leading in space exploration.