India’s space agency, ISRO, is on course to launch its first uncrewed Gaganyaan test mission (G1) this December, marking a major milestone in the nation's human spaceflight journey. The mission will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot, along with experimental payloads into low Earth orbit for system validation. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s astronaut trainees, affirmed the country’s readiness and collective spirit supporting the initiative. The G1 mission is a critical precursor to India's first crewed Gaganyaan flight, projected for early 2027.  

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), said his experience will aid India’s Gaganyaan mission. He flew aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission, launching on June 25 and returning on July 15. Speaking at a press meet with ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, Shukla said, “The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The knowledge I have collected will be extremely useful for Gaganyaan and future Indian space missions.” He thanked the government, ISRO, and researchers for supporting the mission. 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission, said his journey was a mission for the whole nation. At a press briefing with ISRO chief Dr V. Narayanan, Shukla said spaceflight was very different from ground training and thanked ISRO, the government, and researchers for their support. He served as mission pilot and carried out experiments designed by Indian scientists. Shukla said the first days in space were tough but rewarding. ISRO chief Narayanan called the mission historic and highlighted India’s rapid growth in space technology in the past decade. (PC: X)

Indian scientists from NIOT, Chennai, trained in the Atlantic Ocean as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan deep-sea mission. They gained experience onboard the French submersible NAUTILE, operating at depths up to 5,000 meters. India’s human submersible, MATSYA-6000, will carry three people to 6,000 meters for scientific exploration of ocean resources. The submersible features advanced technology, including a titanium personnel sphere, bio-vest for crew monitoring, and underwater communication systems. Indigenous components are developed with ISRO, DRDO, and Indian industry partners. Wet harbour trials were conducted earlier this year in Tamil Nadu, marking progress for India’s deep ocean mission. (PC: News18)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on August 18, 2025. Shukla, who flew aboard the Axiom-4 mission from June 25 to July 15, gifted Modi the Indian tricolour that accompanied him in orbit and the mission patch. Modi welcomed him warmly, calling the achievement “just the first step in Bharat’s journey of human spaceflight.” Shukla fulfilled Modi’s earlier request to document his ISS experience to support India’s Gaganyaan mission. He conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during the mission, collaborating with astronauts from the U.S., Poland, and Hungary. India hailed his return with pride.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. Shukla, who piloted the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), gifted Modi the mission patch and shared pictures of Earth from space. Modi welcomed him warmly, praising his achievement. Shukla returned to India on Sunday after his 18-day mission, which included over 60 scientific experiments and 20 outreach activities. He was earlier greeted by Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, Union minister Jitendra Singh, and ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan. Shukla will also attend National Space Day celebrations. (PC: HT)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hailed astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station as a “powerful symbol” of India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Despite the government’s call for a special Lok Sabha discussion on Shukla’s achievement and its role in the Gaganyaan program, the opposition boycotted the debate over voter list revisions in Bihar. Tharoor emphasized Shukla’s contributions to testing Indian systems in space and advancing global space diplomacy. His mission is seen as pivotal for inspiring youth in STEM fields and refining protocols for future missions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged opposition participation, likening the moment to Operation Sindoor’s bipartisan spirit. (PC: Mint & Deccan Herald)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian in space, returned to India early Sunday following his Axiom-4 mission . He was received at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport by dignitaries including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan . Shukla will soon meet Prime Minister Modi before heading to Lucknow and later participating in National Space Day celebrations . This milestone reflects both national pride and India’s advancing role in human space exploration. 

Arunachal Pradesh's Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated a cutting-edge Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in remote Shi-Yomi district, a collaborative initiative by ISRO and Muskaan Foundation to boost space science education . Named in honor of the minister’s late father, the lab is designed to offer students hands-on experience in space science and technology, nurturing curiosity, innovation, and scientific thinking among rural youth . The inauguration, held on August 16, 2025, drew the presence of local officials, educators, students, and community leaders, marking a proud moment for education outreach in the region .    

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut and the first to dock aboard the International Space Station, returned home early Sunday after completing the NASA-led Axiom-4 mission . His aircraft touched down at Delhi’s IGI Airport, where he was warmly received by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, and enthusiastic citizens . PM Narendra Modi is expected to meet him, and Shukla will participate in National Space Day celebrations . His mission’s insights are seen as vital contributions to India's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight and future space ambitions.