Business Remedies | Shruti Kothari | June 28,2025 | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to the International Space Station marks a milestone for India’s space ambitions and its economy. As the first Indian to set foot aboard the ISS, his mission signals a new era where space exploration directly contributes to national growth. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate developments in biotechnology, satellite research, microgravity experiments, and next-generation aerospace technologies. It also opens doors for global collaborations, attracts foreign investment, and strengthens the ecosystem for Indian space-tech startups. With the Gaganyaan mission and India’s own space station on the horizon, the space sector is poised to become a powerful economic driver.
Now, let’s hear what professionals from different fields have to say about this achievement.
Priti Vaishnav
Educator, Astronomer and Founder of Jaipushya Astronomy Society based in Jaipur
“After 41 Years, India’s Back in Space — and this time, we’re here to lead This isn’t just a return — it’s a giant leap for a self-reliant, space-faring India, it is our collective dream lifting off. We’re not catching up anymore. We’re setting the course. That announcement reignited every young mind that’s ever looked up at the stars and said, ‘One day that will be me’. From the classrooms of Lucknow’s City Montessori School to orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has charted a path few dare to dream. A decorated fighter pilot, elite test pilot, and now India’s newest space farer, Shukla represents the spirit of Naya Bharat — fearless, enthusiastic and determined, bound for the infinite. He is India’s first astronaut to reach the International Space Station and only the second Indian ever in orbit after Rakesh Sharma. But more than that, he is a symbol — of courage rooted in humility, science tempered with soul, and a flag-bearing son who carries 1.4 billion dreams into the cosmos. As I see the Tricolour gently floating aboard the International Space Station, I feel it’s not just a flag — its 1.4 billion dreams in motion. Up there, every orbit is a reminder that India is not just watching the stars anymore… it is among them. If a boy from Lucknow can touch the stars, so can every child with a dream. Believe in yourself, Believe in India. Our journey has just begun. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.”
Kailash Mishra
Deputy Director Regional Science Centre and Science Park, Jaipur
“When I heard that India had returned to space after 41 years, my heart filled with immense pride and joy. It wasn’t just a scientific feat, it was a historic moment that made it feel like the entire nation had touched the sky together. Seeing the Indian Tricolour aboard the International Space Station was deeply moving. It wasn’t just a flag fluttering, it was our identity and dignity glowing in orbit. As an Indian citizen, this moment reaffirmed our country’s boundless potential, scientific brilliance and unshakable resolve. It proved that no frontier, whether on Earth or in space, is beyond our reach if we are determined. This achievement is a powerful message to our youth: don’t just dream big, dare to make those dreams real. Let’s widen the lens of ambition beyond the traditional paths. Why not astronauts, explorers, space scientists? To my fellow citizens, I say this success is not just ISRO’s or the scientists’ alone, it is all of ours. Let’s keep this fire alive, let’s honour science, nurture education and together build an India that reaches for the stars across every field.”
Govind Dadhich
Astronomer, Jaipur
“I am elated and filled with pride after hearing about the monumental feat of an IAF pilot captaining the Axiom mission 4 to the ISS. Sudhanshu Shukla has done something that will leave a mark on Indian Space Exploration and inspire generations to come. This will prove to be instrumental for our space ambition of launching our first ever human space flight in 2027 as the experience he will gain would certainly help. Aside from that, this would open doors for our further ambitions of setting up our space station by 2035 and sending an astronaut to the moon by 2040. The success of this mission will also mean a successful collaboration between NASA, ISRO, ESA and SpaceX and will lead to more such collaborations in the future leading to more investment in the Indian space industry and ISRO.”
Stories Covered By:
Shruti Kothari
