Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has completed an 18 -day historic mission at the International Space Station (ISS), making him the second Indian to go to space. His mission is an important step towards ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. Shukla conducted seven Indian scientific experiments in space, including subjects such as plant growth, microalgy and tardigrade. These experiments will provide important data for future long -term space trips.

Shubhanshu shukla space mission: Indian astronaut group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is now on a journey to return to Earth. He has completed 18 days of historical stay at the International Space Station (ISS). With this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla has become only the second Indian traveling to space, and this mission is a big milestone for India.

Shukla flew from Florida on 25 June under the AXIOM-4 mission and reached ISS on 26 June. He was accompanied by American astronaut Paigi Whitson (Commander), Slavosj Ujnanski and Tibor Kapu.

ISRO’s foundation of ‘Gaganyaan’ mission

ISRO has described this mission of Shukla as an important part of the preparation of its upcoming ‘Gaganyaan’ human space campaign (2027). ‘Gaganyaan’ will be India’s first indigenous human mission. An estimated Rs 550 crore was spent on Shukla’s ISS journey.

During 18 days on ISS, he saw sunrise and sunset 16 times every day. This is a normal phenomenon in ISS moving at a speed of 28,000 km/h at 400 km height.

Historical flight full of Indian experiments

The special thing about this mission is that Shubhanshu made seven fully Indian-designed scientific experiments on ISS. These experiments included subjects such as life science, plant cultivation, micro algi (micro algae), bacteria and effects of microgravity on tardigrade.

All these experiments were developed by top institutions like India’s Biotechnology Department, IISC Bengaluru and IIT. Union Minister Jitendra Singh described it as’ an example by Indians, for India and in the interest of the whole world.

What did Shubhanshu do in space?

• Use of ‘Life Sciences Glovbox’ to study muscle decay
• Comparison of increase in microgravity of two types of photosynthetic bacteria
• Testing of three types of microalgy growth, metabolism and gene expression
• Space Micro Algi and Tardigrade Study
• Use under “Sprouts Project” on seed germination and plant growth

What does this mission mean for the future?

Experiences from AX-04 mission are considered to be very important for Gaganyaan’s plan, security standards, astronaut mental preparation and international cooperation. ISRO chief Dr. V. Narayanan has said that by documenting each activity of Shukla’s mission, the outline of ‘Gaganyaan’ will be further strengthened by it.