As India advances its human spaceflight ambitions, astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla believes the country has reached a crucial moment that could shape the future of its space programme. Fresh from his historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla said the coming years will be critical in strengthening India’s position in global space exploration.
Currently preparing for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, Shukla described the programme as an important step in building India’s long-term human spaceflight capabilities. Drawing on his experience as a test pilot and astronaut, he emphasized the need to establish safety, reliability, and operational readiness before expanding to more complex missions.
Shukla highlighted the growing international recognition of ISRO and said India’s move into human spaceflight marks a significant evolution of its space programme. He noted that Gaganyaan has the potential to place India among a select group of nations with independent human spaceflight capabilities.
The mission, expected to launch around mid-2027, aims to send a crew of 3 astronauts into a low-Earth orbit of 400 km for 3 days before returning safely to Indian waters. A successful mission would make India only the 4th country after the U.S., Russia, and China to independently send humans into space and bring them back safely.
His remarks come after completing an 18-day mission aboard the ISS, where he conducted scientific experiments and gained valuable operational experience in space. The achievement also marked the return of an Indian astronaut to space after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984.
Looking ahead, Shukla said the world is entering a significant phase in space exploration, with multiple countries intensifying efforts to return to the Moon and pursue deeper space missions. He believes India’s work on human-centric technologies, advanced engineering systems, and mission safety through Gaganyaan can contribute meaningfully to the global space ecosystem.
The astronaut is currently engaged in refining mission-related systems and preparing for specialized training as the spacecraft design progresses. Meanwhile, ISRO continues to advance mission readiness, having completed key milestones such as the Integrated Air Drop Test to validate crew safety and recovery systems ahead of launch.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.