India’s Human Spaceflight Journey: From Axiom-4 to Gaganyaan

Context: 

India marked a historic milestone in human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian in 41 years to travel to outer space after Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. Shukla piloted the Axiom-4 mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

This mission reflects India’s emergence as a serious player in global human spaceflight and comes at a time when India is preparing for its own indigenous mission, Gaganyaan.

Significance of the Axiom-4 Mission

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla crossed the Kármán line (defined at 100 km above sea level), marking the boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space.

• This is the first instance since 1984 of an Indian crossing into outer space.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla and referred to him as the first Indian en route to the International Space Station (ISS).

India’s Participation in Axiom-4

• India was not just a passenger contributor; a large team from ISRO, including Chairman V. Narayanan, played an active role in planning, coordination, and mission support.

• This reflects a shift from India’s traditional role as a launch service provider to a collaborative partner in international human spaceflight missions.

Gaganyaan and India’s Human Spaceflight Programme

• The Gaganyaan mission, although delayed from its original 2022 target, has gained momentum with enhanced institutional focus.

• Gaganyaan aims to send India’s first crewed spacecraft into low-Earth orbit by 2027.

• The mission is part of a broader strategic vision that includes:

  • Establishing a dedicated Indian space station

  • Launching Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2040

Strategic Importance of Human Spaceflight

• Human spaceflight is no longer just a scientific pursuit but a strategic capability for:

  • Scientific advancement

  • Commercial partnerships

  • Geopolitical leverage

• In an era where space exploration risks becoming exclusionary, India’s growing presence ensures it remains part of the global space dialogue.

India’s Position in the Global Space Economy

• India is considered a top global space power in terms of cost-effective missions and technological reliability.

• However, its contribution to the global space economy is currently only around 2%, indicating significant scope for growth.

• Areas for improvement include:

  • Commercialisation of space services

  • Support for private space startups

  • Attracting foreign investment

Space as a Future Technology Frontier

• Along with AI, quantum computing, and clean energy, space technology is expected to dominate global technological progress.

• Unlike in other high-tech domains where India is still catching up, in space, India is among the front-runners.

• Sustaining this lead requires:

  • Continued innovation

  • Stronger international partnerships

  • Policy support for the private sector

Human Spaceflight as a Tool for Inspiration and Innovation

• Human space missions can inspire the youth, promote STEM education, and drive innovation across sectors.

• It can contribute to:

  • Skill development

  • High-tech job creation

  • Entrepreneurship in aerospace and allied sectors

Conclusion: Leveraging the Momentum

• Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission must be viewed not just as a symbolic achievement but as a foundation for India’s future in human space exploration.

• The insights and experience gained should feed directly into strengthening Gaganyaan and shaping India’s role in the global space ecosystem.

• With focused investment, institutional backing, and strategic planning, India can transform itself into a leader in human spaceflight and the space economy.