Shubhanshu Shukla's breathtaking space photo leaves India emotional and proud
Shubhanshu Shukla
became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). His journey is not just a technological leap but also a deeply symbolic moment for India as the nation swells with pride for a growing presence in global space missions.
Shukla is only the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Shukla had boarded as the mission pilot for Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission on June 25, 2025, along with three other crew members, including the veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish scientist Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. The mission lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
After a 28-hour journey, the crew docked with the space station on June 26.
What has recently been making headlines are the photos released by the Indian government showing Shukla seated at the Cupola Module, a seven-window observation deck on the ISS, gazing at Earth.
The images quickly became viral and received multiple engagements on social media. The post's caption read, 'Gazing Down From The Space! Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station.
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It's been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.'
Shubhanshu Shukla had a video call with PM Narendra Modi
During his first week aboard the ISS, Shukla had a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he shared his emotions upon seeing India from space. 'When I saw India for the first time from space, it appeared much larger and grander than on the map,' he said. 'You can truly feel the sense of oneness; there are no borders, no lines.
It feels as if this entire Earth is our home and we are all its citizens,' he told the Prime Minister, according to a Times of India report.
In response, PM Modi said, 'You may be far, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you. It's the start of a new era'.
What is the mission aimed at?
While in space, Shukla and his crewmates are conducting more than 60 scientific experiments, including studies in microgravity biology, materials science, and human health. According to India Today, Shukla is also the first Indian to carry out experiments aboard the International Space Station. His work in space ties in with India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which is set to launch in 2027.
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