Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launching no earlier than May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is his backup.
Shukla, a test pilot and Gaganyaan mission astronaut-designate, will serve as the mission pilot for the 14–21-day mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, the effects of microgravity on screen time, and bio-farming, which will support ISRO’s Gaganyaan research.
He will also promote Indian culture by carrying artefacts and practising yoga on the ISS.
The Ax-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, includes 60 experiments from 31 countries. This historic mission, India’s first astronaut trip to the ISS and the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soyuz mission, highlights India’s rising prominence in global space exploration.
Established in 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transformed India into a global leader in space exploration. From humble beginnings with sounding rockets to executing complex interplanetary missions, ISRO’s journey reflects a blend of scientific excellence, frugal engineering, and ambitious vision.
Indian Space Program: A Journey Of Innovation & Ambition
Origins and Early Development
India’s space program began under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who recognized the potential of space technology to address national challenges, including communication, education, and resource management.
The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), formed in 1962, laid the groundwork for ISRO. The first significant milestone was the launch of the Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba in 1963, marking India’s entry into space research.
ISRO’s early focus was on developing indigenous satellite and launch vehicle technologies. The launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, in 1975 aboard a Soviet rocket, was a pivotal moment. By 1980, ISRO achieved a breakthrough with the successful launch of the Rohini satellite using the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), making India the sixth nation capable of independently launching satellites.
Building Capabilities
In the 1980s, ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a versatile rocket that became the backbone of India’s space program. The PSLV’s first successful launch in 1994 enabled India to place satellites in polar and geosynchronous orbits, supporting applications like remote sensing and communication.
The INSAT series, starting with INSAT-1A in 1982, revolutionised telecommunications, television broadcasting, and weather forecasting, bridging India’s rural-urban divide. In the 1990s, ISRO expanded its Earth observation capabilities with the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series. These satellites provided critical agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning data.
The program’s emphasis on self-reliance led to the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), designed to carry heavier payloads into geostationary orbits. Despite initial setbacks, the GSLV’s success in the 2000s bolstered India’s space ambitions.
Breakthroughs In The 21st Century
The 21st century marked a turning point for ISRO, with missions that showcased its technological prowess and global competitiveness. The Chandrayaan-1 mission, launched in 2008, was India’s first lunar probe. It made headlines with the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, a finding confirmed by its Moon Impact Probe.
This mission, costing just $80 million, exemplified ISRO’s cost-effective approach and earned global acclaim. In 2013, ISRO achieved another milestone with the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first globally to succeed on its maiden attempt.
Mangalyaan, developed at a modest $74 million, demonstrated ISRO’s ability to deliver high-impact science on a lean budget. The mission’s longevity, with the orbiter still operational in 2025, underscores ISRO’s engineering excellence. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019 aimed to soft-land a rover on the Moon’s South Pole.
Although the Vikram lander crashed, the orbiter continues to provide valuable data from the lunar surface. The mission showcased India’s growing ambition to tackle complex challenges.
In 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic soft landing near the lunar South Pole, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to explore this region. The Pragyan rover’s findings on lunar soil composition have added to global lunar science.
Societal Impact & Applications
ISRO’s space program extends beyond scientific exploration, delivering tangible benefits to Indian society. The INSAT and GSAT series have enabled tele-education and telemedicine, reaching remote areas with limited infrastructure.
The Navic navigation system, operational since 2018, provides precise positioning services, enhancing transportation, agriculture, and defence sectors.
ISRO’s remote sensing satellites support disaster management by monitoring cyclones, floods, and droughts. The Cartosat and Resourcesat series support urban planning, water resource management, and crop forecasting, thereby contributing to food security. ISRO’s data-sharing initiatives with global agencies also strengthen international cooperation in climate monitoring and disaster response.
The space program has spurred economic growth by fostering a domestic space industry. Companies like Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm, and private startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are expanding India’s space ecosystem.
ISRO’s technology transfers have enabled innovations in healthcare and renewable energy, amplifying their socioeconomic impact.
Challenges
Despite its Successes, ISRO faces challenges. Limited funding, with a 2024-25 budget of approximately $1.6 billion, constrains its ability to scale ambitious projects compared to NASA ($25 billion) or China’s space program.
Human spaceflight, a key frontier, has progressed at a slow pace. The Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit, faced delays due to technical complexities and the COVID-19 pandemic but is now targeted for 2026.
ISRO’s reliance on government funding limits its agility in a rapidly commercialising global space sector. While private sector participation grows, regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic processes hinder faster integration.
Critics also point to occasional mission failures, such as the GSLV’s early setbacks or Chandrayaan-2’s partial success, as areas that need improvement. However, ISRO’s ability to learn from failures and deliver subsequent successes reflects its resilience.
Future Prospects
ISRO’s roadmap is ambitious, with plans to solidify India’s position in global space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission will mark India’s entry into human spaceflight, with four astronauts training in collaboration with international partners.
The Aditya-L1 solar observatory, launched in 2023, is studying the Sun’s corona, contributing to space weather forecasting. Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2028, aims to retrieve lunar samples, while a Venus orbiter mission is under development.
ISRO is also advancing its launch capabilities. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) targets the growing demand for small satellite launches, while the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) will support heavier payloads, including space station modules. ISRO’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 aligns with global trends in space infrastructure.
International collaboration is a priority, with ISRO partnering with NASA, ESA, and JAXA on missions like NISAR, a joint Earth-observation satellite. ISRO’s cost-effective model positions it as a preferred partner for emerging space nations and commercial entities.
To stay competitive, the organisation also explores reusable launch vehicles and space robotics.
Conclusion
The Indian space program, driven by ISRO’s ingenuity and vision, has evolved from a nascent initiative to a global partner in space exploration.
Its achievements, from lunar landings to interplanetary missions, reflect a commitment to scientific discovery and societal progress. While challenges such as funding and commercialization persist, ISRO’s track record of overcoming obstacles bodes well for its future.
As India aims for human spaceflight, a space station, and deeper planetary exploration, ISRO’s frugal yet impactful approach will continue to inspire.
The program advances India’s technological capabilities and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global space exploration, proving that ambition and innovation can transcend resource constraints.
- Air Marshal Anil Khosla is a former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force and AOC in C of Eastern Air Command.
- He tweets at: @AnilKhosla16
- Mail EurAsian Times at editor (at) eurasiantimes.com
