India's Stellar Rise: Space Odyssey Soars Under PM Modi’s Leadership

India’s space programme reached a historic milestone with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking a major leap in the country’s human spaceflight ambitions.

The 39-year-old Indian Air Force test pilot became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.

India marked a historic breakthrough in its space journey with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a feat that comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s legendary flight. This mission not only signalled the country’s growing strength in space exploration but also highlighted its strategic use of global partnerships under the Modi government’s vision for a self-reliant and ambitious space programme.

Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force test pilot and one of the four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Trained at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, he spent 18 days aboard the ISS, during which he conducted more than 60 scientific experiments, including seven assigned by ISRO.

Among the key experiments was Myogenesis, carried out in the Life Sciences Glovebox, which focused on studying skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity. The findings aim to aid in the development of treatments for astronauts as well as patients on Earth suffering from muscle-degenerative diseases. These research initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to India’s growing microgravity science ecosystem and scientific capabilities.

Beyond scientific contributions, Shukla also played a vital role in outreach efforts. He interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via live videoconference and connected with students through ham radio sessions, igniting curiosity and inspiring young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields.

The Ax-4 mission, estimated at around ₹548 crore, was more than just a scientific expedition—it was a strategic stepping stone toward India’s first indigenous human spaceflight under Gaganyaan, slated for launch in 2027. The mission reaffirmed India’s emergence as a serious space contender and laid the groundwork for even bolder ventures, including a planned Indian space station by 2035 and a lunar mission by 2040.

Even before the landmark Axiom Mission 4, India had already etched its name in space history with the Chandrayaan-3 mission on August 23, 2023. With a successful soft landing near the lunar south pole, the dark, unexplored side of the moon, India became the first country ever to reach this region and the fourth nation globally, after the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve a lunar landing. It was a defining moment for India's space ambitions.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s space programme has seen unprecedented momentum. The space economy is projected to surpass $13 billion by 2025, reflecting the scale of India’s growing ambitions in the sector.

Remarkably, India has achieved these feats at a fraction of the cost seen globally. While the Chandrayaan-2 mission cost ₹978 crore, Chandrayaan-3 was executed at a much lower budget of ₹615 crore. Similarly, India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, launched to study the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona, came at an economical ₹378 crore, showcasing ISRO's ability to deliver high-impact science on a lean budget.

India’s capabilities were further proven in 2017, when ISRO launched a record 104 satellites aboard PSLV-C37 from Sriharikota,101 of them for international clients. This milestone signalled India’s emergence as a trusted global partner in the commercial satellite launch market.

There was a time when India was denied access to cryogenic rocket technology. But Indian scientists turned that adversity into innovation, developing indigenous cryogenic engines that now power complex missions and enable the country to launch multiple satellites simultaneously.

From the moon to the sun to the space station, India is not just catching up; it is carving a bold path forward, one mission at a time.

Also Read: IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla Returns After 18-Day ISS Space Mission