Between Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla — India's leap in space exploration
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma flew as part of a Soviet mission. In 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard a SpaceX capsule. The two missions reveal how India evolved from a dependent spacefaring nation to one preparing its own human spaceflight programme
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United News of India
16 minutes ago
- United News of India
PM interacts with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard ISS
New Delhi, June 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The PMO India said on X, 'PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station.' Notably, the Axiom-4 Mission piloted by Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other crew lifted off from the Kennedy Space Centre Florida onboard the Space Dragon Aircraft on June 25. A day later, the team successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS). During their approximately two-week stay, the astronauts will engage in scientific research, outreach and commercial projects aboard the orbiting lab. UNI RBE RN
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
'Gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon': Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries India's spirit to space
'Gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon': Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries India's spirit to space In a truly historic moment for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He is now the second Indian ever to go to space, and his achievement has made the entire country proud. While orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth, Captain Shukla had a live video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversation was full of warmth and emotion and was watched by people all over the country. 'India look bigger than the map' One of the most touching things Captain Shukla said during the chat was: 'When I saw India from space, it looked much bigger than how it appears on the map.' This simple line moved many people. From space, there are no borders or divisions, just one land, one country, one identity. It was a powerful moment showing how far India has come. A New chapter for India PM Modi praised Shukla for making history and said that his journey marks the beginning of a new era for India in space. 'Even your name has 'shubh' (auspicious) in it, and your journey is a 'shubh aarambh' (a good start) to a new age,' the Prime Minister said. He also added with emotion: 'Right now, 140 crore Indians are feeling proud and connected to you. I am not speaking to you just as a Prime Minister, but as a voice for every Indian's pride and hope.' A Dream Come True Captain Shukla, calm and smiling from the ISS, replied: 'I'm safe, healthy, and thankful to be here. This is the start of a new era for India.' He also shared that he never imagined going to space would be possible for him. 'But under your leadership, India has not only learned to dream big but also found the courage to make those dreams come true.' Gajar Ka Halwa Travels to the ISS In the middle of a historic space mission, there was a warm and unexpected surprise aboard the spacecraft: gajar ka halwa, India's famous carrot dessert, along with aamras (mango pulp). Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking with a smile, said: 'I brought gajar ka halwa and aamras with me… it's not just about taste, it's a piece of home and memories.' 'Main gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon… yeh sirf swaad nahi, yeh ghar ki yaadon ka ek hissa hai,' Captain Shukla said in Hindi. This small but heartfelt gesture brought a bit of Indian culture and comfort to space. His fellow astronauts, Peggy Whitson from the US, Sawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary — got their first taste of Indian hospitality, floating 400 km above Earth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clearly pleased by the gesture, praised the cultural moment and gently reminded Captain Shukla of the great responsibility he carries, representing India not just in science, but in spirit. (With IANS inputs)
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Bharat bahut bhavya dikhta hai... our nation is moving forward at very great pace": Group Captain Shukla tells PM Modi from International Space Station
New Delhi [India] June 28 (ANI): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has said that India looks 'very big and grand' from Space. 'Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohat bhavya dikta hain, jitna ham map pe dekhten hain, usse kahin jyada bada (When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map),' Group Captain Shukla said during his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. '.A short while ago, when I was looking out of the window, we were flying over Hawaii. We see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day from the nation is moving forward at a very great pace,' he added. Speaking aboard the ISS, Group Captain Shukla also said that it looks from space that no borders exist on Earth. 'The first view was of the Earth and after seeing the Earth from outside, the first thought and the first thing that came to mind was that the Earth looks completely one, no border is visible from outside. When we see the Earth from outside, it seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it,' he said. Group Captain Shukla, who is the second Indian to reach Space, said he feels very proud as India has reached the International Space Station and it is a collective achievement of the country. He said he is feeling very emotional and happy after conversation with PM Modi. He urged youth to work hard, never stop trying and said 'the sky is never the limit'. 'I am feeling very emotional and happy after having a conversation with you and 140 crore Indians. I feel very proud as India has reached the International Space Station...I have learnt a lot in the entire journey. This is a collective achievement of the whole nation...I want to send a message to the younger generation that if you work hard, the future of the nation will be good. The sky is never the limit,' Group Captain Shukla said. 'The message I would like to give our young generation is that India has seen very bold and high dreams and to fulfil those dreams, we need all of you. There is no single way to success, but one thing that is common in every path is that you should never stop trying. If you adopt this basic mantra, then success may come today or tomorrow, but it will definitely come,' he added. With India's first human Space mission 'Gaganyaan' programme having entered its final phase, Shubhanshu Shukla said he is absorbing all the lessons and experience like a sponge. 'I am confident that these lessons will be highly valuable for us and that we will apply them effectively in the coming missions,' he said, with the Tricolour prominently placed in the ISS. 'India is progressing at a swift will have its stations in plays a significant role in maintaining calmness, as there are many stressful situations during training and launch. Mindfulness and meditation help a lot in making good decisions,' he added. PM Modi said that after the success of Chandrayaan, the youth of the country have developed a new interest towards science. 'There is a new enthusiasm to explore space... Today, children not only look at the sky, but they think they can reach it. This spirit is the base of our future space missions... We have to take Mission Gaganyan forward, we have to make our own space station, and we have to ensure that an Indian astronaut lands on the Moon,' PM Modi said. Group Captain Shukla said Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments for the mission. 'I can say with great pride that for the first time Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments which I have brought here to the station. The first experiment, which is scheduled today, is on stem experiment focuses on how we can prevent or delay muscle loss in space by taking a specific supplement. We will also see if these supplements can be beneficial for older people on Earth as well,' he said. PM Modi asked him about the conditions in space and how he is adapting to it., 'Everything is different here. We trained for a year and I learnt about different after coming here, everything even small things are different because there is no gravity in here is a big takes some time to get used to this environment,' Group Captain Shukla said. PM Modi congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the Tricolour in space and said while 'you are away from our motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of Indians'. 'Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai,' PM Modi said. 'At this time only the two of us are talking, but the feelings of 140 crore Indians are also with me. My voice contains the enthusiasm and excitement of all Indians. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you for hoisting our flag in Space. Is everything fine there? Are you well?' he asked. During the interaction, PM Modi asked Group Captain Shukla if he had 'Gajar ka halwa' he took along. Group Captain Shukla said that astronauts from other countries on ISS joined him for enjoying rich Indian culinary. 'Yes, I bought gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa and aam ras. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the rich Indian culinary. All of us had it together and everyone liked it,' he said. The Axiom-4 Mission, carrying Group Captain Shukla and three other crew members, docked with the ISS on June 26. (ANI)
