India is set to make history next month as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force prepares to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), marking the country's first human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. 

Announced by Union Minister D. Jitendra Singh following a high-level ISRO review, the mission is part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 initiative and will launch in May 2025. The flight is a significant leap in India’s global space collaboration and human spaceflight capabilities. 

Group Captain Shukla, a decorated test pilot and one of the top contenders for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, will gain invaluable experience in space operations, microgravity adaptation, and emergency protocols—skills essential for India’s crewed spaceflight program. 

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan emphasised the mission's operational significance over symbolism, highlighting its role in enhancing India's integration with global space partners and improving readiness for future indigenous missions. 

This landmark flight comes amid a flurry of ISRO missions. Key upcoming launches include: 

India’s recent space milestones also include the public release of Aditya L1 solar mission data, successful Vikas engine restart tests, and ISRO’s 100th launch (GSLV-F15). 

Group Captain Shukla’s mission marks India’s bold entry into human space exploration’s new era, underscoring its growing capabilities, global partnerships, and strategic vision to become a leader in space science and technology. 

(PIB)