On the historic evening of 25th June 2025, India once again etched its name in the stars as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on a path-breaking journey to the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the first Indian to set foot aboard the ISS. This significant milestone comes exactly 41 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s legendary voyage in 1984, when he travelled to space aboard a Russian spacecraft and gave India a moment of eternal pride.
The mission, a collaborative commercial endeavour led by Axiom Space, also includes astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States. The spacecraft carrying this international crew is SpaceX’s Dragon, which has been christened ‘Grace’ by the astronauts themselves—a poetic name for a mission that signifies unity, peace, and the shared aspirations of humankind.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the launch with heartfelt words, expressing the collective pride of 1.4 billion Indians. In a statement on social media, he lauded the significance of the mission, acknowledging the hope, dreams, and aspirations that Group Captain Shukla carries with him into the cosmos.
“The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“Wish him and other astronauts all the success!”
The mission launched on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, is part of Axiom Space’s commercial spaceflight initiative aimed at bridging nations and fostering scientific collaboration beyond borders. According to reports, ‘Grace’ is scheduled to dock with the ISS at 4:30 p.m. IST on Thursday, 26th June 2025. This momentous rendezvous with the ISS marks a significant leap in India’s growing stature in global space exploration.
Why This Mission Matters
The importance of this 14-day space mission extends far beyond national pride. It symbolises the resurgence of human spaceflight for India, Hungary, and Poland, making it a truly multinational celebration. For India, it’s a continuation of a journey that began with Rakesh Sharma’s voyage and was reignited through ISRO’s Gaganyaan preparations and international collaborations in recent years.
Group Captain Shukla’s participation reaffirms India’s commitment to space science and its determination to contribute to the advancement of humanity’s presence beyond Earth. It is also a nod to India’s growing partnership with private space entities like Axiom Space and SpaceX, signalling a shift towards broader collaboration and innovation in the sector.
The Symbolism of ‘Grace’
The name ‘Grace’, chosen by the astronauts for the Dragon spacecraft, reflects the spirit of this mission. In a world often divided by conflict and borders, space remains a domain that brings nations together. The ISS, a marvel of international cooperation, will now host astronauts representing four different countries united by a single vision – to explore, learn, and inspire.
The Road Ahead
The 14-day mission promises a series of scientific experiments, educational outreach, and collaborative tasks on board the ISS. These endeavours are expected to lay the groundwork for future manned missions by the participating nations and serve as a launchpad for deeper engagements in space technology, medicine, climate studies, and artificial intelligence in space.
As the Dragon spacecraft continues its journey to dock at the ISS, the entire nation waits with bated breath, filled with pride and hope. Group Captain Shukla’s voyage is not just a personal achievement – it is a national milestone and a testament to the dreams that have fuelled India’s space ambitions for decades.
In a time when the world needs shared victories and collective inspirations, this mission stands tall – a symbol of humanity’s unyielding quest to touch the stars, and of India’s resounding return to the forefront of space exploration.
We wish Group Captain Shukla and his international crewmates a safe, fruitful, and inspiring journey. May the stars guide them, and may their legacy light the path for generations to come.
The Momma Clan 
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