The Lok Sabha on August 18, 2025, held a special discussion titled “India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station — Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047”, following Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the Axiom-4 mission.
India’s Upcoming Space Milestones
Officials outlined India’s key space projects: an uncrewed mission with the humanoid robot Vyommitra in 2026, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight in 2027, the Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035, and an Indian astronaut expected to land on the Moon by 2040.
Scientific and Technological Contributions
Shukla’s mission provided essential data on spacecraft systems, pre-launch procedures, and human responses to microgravity. Experiments on human health and plant growth in space are expected to guide life-support and medical systems for future missions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The mission has become a symbol of India’s human spaceflight ambitions, motivating students toward STEM and space studies, while highlighting India’s capacity for international collaboration in space research.
Parliamentary Recognition
Officials praised Shukla’s achievements and emphasized the growing role of India’s space programme in technological and scientific advancement, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward space exploration.
