India’s space program reached another milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was confirmed as an integral part of an international space mission that will investigate the physiological, cognitive, and physical effects of microgravity on astronauts. The announcement was made by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who emphasized India’s growing role in global space exploration and research. The Indian astronaut will also study the impact of continuous electronic displays in space conditions, a critical aspect of future long-duration missions.
Dr. Singh highlighted that one of the key objectives of the onboard research would be the study of skeletal muscle dysfunction, a well-documented issue faced by astronauts in prolonged microgravity environments. The study aims to assess therapeutic interventions that may help mitigate muscle deterioration, supporting advancements in space medicine and long-term human spaceflight sustainability.
In addition, Group Captain Shukla will conduct experiments on the revival, survival, and reproduction of extremophiles, including tardigrades. These microorganisms are known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions, and their behavior in space could provide insights into life sustainability beyond Earth.
Dr. Singh underscored the significance of the mission, stating that it is a matter of national pride that an Indian astronaut is actively participating with defined scientific responsibilities. He noted that discussions on sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station were part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, reinforcing India’s commitment to international space collaboration.
Group Captain Shukla is among four astronauts selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. He is joined by Group Captains Prasanth Nair, Angad Pratap, and Ajit Krishnan, with Group Captain P.B. Nair designated as the backup astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission. The Gaganyaan mission is currently undergoing trial phases and is targeted for launch in early 2027.
Dr. Singh described space experiments as game-changers for India’s space ecosystem, helping the country achieve self-reliance in the space domain. He emphasized that India’s space economy is projected to increase five-fold from USD 8 billion to USD 44 billion, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He credited the year 2014 as a turning point when Prime Minister Modi unlocked the space sector for private participation, foreign direct investment, and enhanced international collaboration.
The minister also highlighted the government’s parallel focus on deep ocean exploration through the Deep Ocean Mission, aimed at harnessing India’s underexploited marine economy. Additionally, he pointed out the rising importance of nuclear energy, noting that the sector has received enhanced budgetary allocation for the development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors to support the country’s clean energy transition and Net Zero goals by 2070.
In the aviation sector, Dr. Singh noted that air travel has become more accessible under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with multiple new airports inaugurated and a rising demand for pilots. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories has developed a two-seater trainer aircraft, and work is ongoing to scale up production of the Electric Hansa (e-Hansa) in collaboration with private firms.
Dr. Singh concluded by stating that India’s advancements in space, deep ocean exploration, nuclear energy, and aviation signify a new era of scientific progress, reinforcing the country’s leadership in cutting-edge technology and global missions. The participation of an Indian astronaut in an international space mission is yet another testament to the nation’s growing influence in space research and human exploration.
