New Delhi, July 6, 2025: India has achieved a proud moment in space history as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the country’s Gaganyatri (space traveller), became the first Indian to enter the famous Cupola observatory on the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first time in over 40 years that an Indian has gone to space, after Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.

Shukla’s journey began on June 11 when he launched from Florida as part of the Axiom Mission-4. He reached the ISS on June 26. His mission includes performing seven special science experiments in zero gravity, designed by Indian scientists. These experiments include studies on food growth in space, medicine, and how muscles behave without gravity. The goal is to help improve life on Earth and also prepare for future space travel.

The Cupola is a dome-shaped window on the ISS. It has seven large windows and gives a wide view of Earth from space. It is also used by astronauts to monitor spacewalks and other station activities. When Shukla entered the Cupola, he described feeling “lightheaded but amazed,” and said he was excited to begin his work in space.

Before going to space, Shukla trained for almost a year in the United States at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He and his backup pilot, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, learned everything from how to work in zero gravity to emergency space operations. Their training included underwater simulations and classroom work to prepare them fully for life aboard the ISS.

This mission is a big step for India’s space program and was made possible through cooperation between ISRO (India’s space agency), NASA, and Axiom Space. The crew includes four astronauts - Shukla, a European space researcher, and two experienced American astronauts, including Peggy Whitson, a veteran of multiple spaceflights.

ISRO said that this mission will give valuable experience that will help in preparing for India’s future human space mission, Gaganyaan. India plans to send its own astronauts into space in an Indian spacecraft by 2027. The knowledge from Shukla’s mission—how to live and work in space, how to communicate with Earth, and how to handle emergencies, will be very useful for Gaganyaan.

The whole country is proud of this achievement. Pictures of Shukla inside the Cupola, looking out at Earth, have gone viral and inspired many young Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission and said it shows India’s growing power in science and space technology.

Shukla’s mission will continue for a few more days, after which he will return to Earth. But the impact of this historic journey is already being felt across the nation. It proves that India is ready to take its place among the leading countries in space exploration. His presence in the ISS is a symbol of the dreams and hard work of millions of Indians and a sign that the sky is no longer the limit.