Thu Jun 26 05:14:43 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**India Returns to Space After 41 Years: Astronaut Rakesh Sharma Reflects on Transformative Power of Space Travel**

**[City, State] – June 26, 2025 –** India has marked its return to space after 41 years with the launch of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, viewed globally on live television and mobile devices, reignited national pride and sparked reflections on the significance of space exploration.

Shukla joins Commander Peggy Whitson (U.S.), Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) on this commercial mission by Axiom Space. Ten minutes after launch, Shukla communicated that it was an amazing ride

In a podcast released by the Ministry of Defence, astronaut Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space (1984), shared his insights. Sharma emphasized that viewing Earth from space fundamentally alters one’s perspective, highlighting the shared ownership of the planet and the need for global unity. “It changes the mindset,” he stated, advocating for an end to conflicts and a focus on preserving the planet.

Sharma’s earlier spaceflight in 1984 on the Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station involved eight days of conducting experiments designed by Indian scientists. He recalled the intensive 18-month training period in Star City, Russia, and the need to learn Russian for communication.

The IAF celebrated Shukla’s mission on social media, noting that it marked a historic moment echoing Sharma’s pioneering journey. Sharma is optimistic about India’s future in space, envisioning a leading role for the nation in future missions. He also discussed his career after returning from space, including his work with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’.

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