India’s First Astronaut On ISS Achieves Mission Success; Wins Praise From Rajnath Singh

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS), on Thursday declared that his mission had successfully achieved all technical objectives, with results described as ‘very encouraging’.

On 26 June, Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS.

During his 18-day stay, he carried out multiple experiments designed by ISRO and Indian institutions, ranging from stem cell research to growing sprouts in space.

“This was the mission of an entire nation,” Shukla said at a press briefing in New Delhi. “We were able to achieve all our technical objectives. Some experiments began to show results while we were there, and the outcomes have been very promising.”

Shukla stressed the importance of careful examination of the data before concluding.

“All experiments conducted aboard the station were preserved, frozen, and brought back to Earth for detailed analysis,” he explained.

Reflecting on his experience piloting Axiom Space’s Mission 4 with NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Shukla described the journey as ‘unbelievable’.

He added, “Despite all the training, when you sit in that rocket and the engines ignite, the feeling is beyond words. The entire experience, from launch to splashdown, was so overwhelming that I struggled to capture it in words.”

Defence Minister Lauds Astronaut’s Feat

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Shukla in New Delhi, congratulating him on the achievement and calling it a ‘major milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey’.

Singh praised Shukla’s contribution to scientific progress, noting that the experiments conducted aboard the ISS would significantly advance India’s space research.

Taking to X, he posted, “Delighted to meet Gp Capt Shubanshu Shukla, the first Indian Astronaut, on-board International Space Station. We discussed his inspiring space journey, the vital experiments he undertook in orbit, advances in science and technology, and the road ahead with India’s pioneering #Gaganyaan mission. His journey will inspire the young minds of India. The nation is proud of his achievements.”

Singh underlined the Indian Air Force’s vital role in astronaut training, selection, and mission support alongside ISRO. He noted that this synergy would be key to India’s upcoming manned space missions.

With successes in lunar and Mars exploration, India is now advancing towards building its own space station.

Shukla’s historic ISS mission marks a decisive step in that direction, reinforcing India’s growing stature as a spacefaring nation.

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