India's Pride Returns from the ISS: How Shubhanshu Shukla’s 7 Experiments Will Benefit Gaganyaan Mission

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 along with his crew members after completing his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This mission holds great importance for India, as the country is actively preparing for the launch of its ambitious Gaganyaan mission — India's first manned space mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to set foot on the ISS. Prior to him, the last Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma, who traveled to space 41 years ago. During his stay at the ISS, Shubhanshu conducted 7 crucial experiments. The outcomes of these experiments, along with Shubhanshu’s personal experiences, will be directly applied to India's Gaganyaan mission.

Nilesh M. Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre, stated, "The experience gained by Shubhanshu Shukla during his time at the ISS will be of immense value for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, scheduled within the next two years. It was an unforgettable experience for him. He performed several experiments while at the space station."

Shukla's journey helped him understand space conditions and microgravity, and he successfully conducted scientific tests under those unique conditions. ISRO initiated this mission to gain insights that will be instrumental in executing the Gaganyaan mission effectively.

Desai further stated that the Gaganyaan program will begin with an uncrewed test flight later this year. "We will launch one uncrewed mission this year, followed by two more. After these, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space aboard the Gaganyaan craft. The astronaut is expected to stay in space for two to seven days before returning to Earth," he said.