India’s Shubanshu Shukla Ushers in New Era from ISS

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubanshu  Shukla, affectionately known as Shubanshu, made history on June 26, 2025, by becoming the first Indian astronaut to enter the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. His arrival aboard the Axiom‑4 mission was met with heartfelt gestures as the ISS crew stood at the hatch to greet the team with warm embraces, extending an official, affectionate welcome to the new Indian member. NASA and Axiom Space broadcast the moment live, capturing both the emotional reunion and symbolic significance of India’s flag‑bearing return to orbit.

From orbit, Shukla transmitted his very first message back to Earth, addressing fellow Indians with patriotism and emotion. “Namaskar, my dear countrymen… the Tricolour on my shoulder reminds me that I am with you all,” he said, orbiting at 7.5 km/s while inviting citizens to share in the excitement of India’s renewed human spaceflight journey.

Over the course of the next 14 days, the Axiom‑4 crew will conduct a series of research experiments, including some developed by Indian scientists - ushering in a new chapter for India’s ambitions in space exploration and reinforcing international collaboration aboard the ISS.