India marks return to space with first astronaut in 40 years

India's ambition in space exploration has reached a significant milestone as it prepares to send its first astronaut to space in over four decades. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been selected for this pivotal mission, scheduled to take place in May 2025. The astronaut will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of the Axiom-4 mission, which is a collaborative effort with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. This mission follows the country's long gap since Rakesh Sharma made history in 1984 as the last Indian to venture into outer space. The Indian Department of Space's announcement reflects a broader vision for the country’s future in space travel. Shukhla is one of four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan program, which aims to establish India's capacity for human spaceflight through a crewed vehicle. This initiative has generated substantial excitement within the scientific community and is indicative of India's growing commitment to becoming a significant player in space technology. The country has made several strides with the Gaganyaan mission, having recently completed the assembly of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 and successfully conducting an unmanned docking to prepare for future crewed missions. As part of the Axiom-4 undertaking, Shukhla will gain vital experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, and emergency preparedness—elements critical for the upcoming Gaganyaan missions. This exploration is not only a symbol of scientific achievement but also highlights India's efforts to collaborate with international partners in advancing its space capabilities. Jitendra Singh, the minister of state for science and technology, expressed confidence in India's readiness for this next milestone in space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is also planning various satellite launch missions as part of its continuous push in space technology. Upcoming missions include the PSLV-C61 carrying the EOS-09 satellite and the NISAR satellite launch aboard the GSLV-F16. With its commitment to advancing space science and technology, India is forging ahead with its strategic plans to develop a robust presence in the advent of human space exploration.