Commander Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Mission: A Leap for India's Human Spaceflight Dreams

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has showered praise on Commander Shubhanshu Shukla for his recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS), emphasizing its significance in bolstering India's human spaceflight goals. The mission is seen as a crucial step towards the country's Gaganyaan program, according to Tharoor.

Citing the mission's invaluable contributions, Tharoor noted that it offered the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unique hands-on experience and critical data unattainable through simulations. "Shukla's first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures and spacecraft systems, along with insights on the effects of microgravity, are vital for enhancing and securing the upcoming Gaganyaan mission," he stated.

Tharoor further mentioned the mission's success in testing Indian systems and protocols within an actual space environment, offering crucial scientific validation. Significant scientific experiments, such as studies on human health and plant growth in space, provide direct benefits for designing life-support systems for the Gaganyaan mission. Conducted in partnership with international agencies, Shukla's mission also contributes to India's growing role in global space diplomacy, paving the way for future international collaborations.

The Thiruvanthapuram MP underscored the mission's symbolism, marking it as an emblem of India's aspirations in human spaceflight. The mission has captured the country's imagination, motivating a new generation to engage in STEM and space studies, deemed essential for maintaining India's long-term space vision.

Shukla, part of NASA's Axiom-4 mission, returned to Earth on July 15, landing in the capital after the mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on June 25. His journey marks a 41-year milestone as the first Indian to venture into space since then. (ANI)