25 Jun Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission start of India’s human space journey, say industry leaders
Group Captain Shukla and three other astronauts on Wednesday embarked on a journey to the ISS onboard the Dragon spacecraft that was placed in an orbit around the Earth by the Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX.
“India is no longer a follower but an equal partner. Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian member of the crew, is going to be the most crucial component of this entire mission, which is going to last about two weeks,” Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh told reporters here.
“India is now in the final stages of preparation for the Gaganyaan mission, with firms like Larsen & Toubro, Tata and Ananth Technologies playing a critical role alongside our vibrant startups,” Anil Kumar Bhatt, Director General, Indian Space Association, said.
“If all goes as planned, we are just one or two years away from realising the dream of sending Indian astronauts to space on an entirely indigenous platform,” said Bhatt.
“Proud to see India’s space voyage reach new heights with Group Captain Shukla’s historic journey to ISS. Indeed a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions,” Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, said. Renowned astrophysicist and vice chancellor, Ashoka University, Somak Raychaudhury said the Axiom-4 mission signifies India’s re-entry into human spaceflight, but this time marking the beginning of a long-term endeavour of sustained human space exploration, underscoring a renewed national commitment and capability in this demanding domain. “It also sets the stage for upcoming milestones: the Gaganyaan mission in 2027, an Indian space station by 2035 and a planned human Moon landing by 2040,” Raychaudhury said.
Shukla’s experience with the Axiom-4 mission is important and will bring real-life exposure which will be critical for the Gaganyaan mission as well, he said.
At the India Space Congress which got underway on Wednesday, the delegates witnessed the livestream of Axiom-4’s launch.
The excitement was amplified as an Hungarian astronaut was also part of the Axiom-4 mission. Hungary is a country partner at the India Space Congress organised by the Satcom Industry Association (SIA).
“These developments signal India’s steady ascent to the forefront of global space innovation,” Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India said.