Global Interest Builds Around Gaganyaan, Shubhanshu Shukla Shares with PM Modi

Fast Summary

• Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 18,2025,and discussed his space journey as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Shukla shared insights about adjusting to microgravity conditions and conducting experiments on the orbital lab.
• He mentioned global excitement for India’s Gaganyaan mission, with several of his crew members expressing interest in attending its launch and even traveling in its spacecraft.
• PM Modi emphasized the need for India to develop a pool of 40-50 astronauts to support its future space endeavors.
• India’s space goals include:

– Launching its first human spaceflight (Gaganyaan) by 2027.
– Establishing an Indian-owned space station by 2035.- Sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Indian opinion Analysis

India’s continued investments in human space exploration mark a significant step towards asserting itself as a major player in global aerospace technology. Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s meeting with PM Modi highlights India’s burgeoning reputation, as evidenced by international curiosity about Gaganyaan. the call for developing a robust astronaut program aligns with long-term ambitions such as creating an autonomous station and landing on the Moon – both complex endeavors that require sustained personnel training and resource allocation. While challenges remain in achieving these milestones within set timelines, India’s vision reflects determination toward inspiring technological innovation and fostering international collaboration.

Read more here: The Hindu