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India Poised for Defining Era in Space Exploration, Says Astronaut Shukla
Hyderabad, India – November 30, 2025 – India is on the cusp of a transformative period in space exploration, according to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Speaking at the inauguration of space startup Skyroot Aerospace’s new facility in Hyderabad on November 27th, Shukla emphasized that the next five to ten years will be “defining times” for India’s space program.
Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 private mission earlier this year, highlighted India’s unique position in the global space landscape. “There are only a few countries which have done what India has achieved already, and there are even fewer which are doing what India is planning to do in space,” he said.
Looking towards the future, Shukla indicated that the Indian government is actively working to broaden participation in space voyages. New policies are being developed to make space accessible to individuals from diverse fields, fostering a more inclusive approach to space exploration.
He also touched on the need for updated international regulations governing activities in outer space. Shukla stressed that actions in space have global implications, necessitating a reevaluation of existing frameworks and treaties.
Shukla’s journey to the ISS included experiments for ISRO, including growing moong and fenugreek, leading him to jokingly refer to himself as a “space farmer.” He is currently undergoing training as one of four astronauts selected for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2027, which will mark India’s first human spaceflight.
Skyroot Aerospace, founded by Naga Bharath Daka and Pawan Kumar Chandana, recently inaugurated its Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. The company is developing Vikram-I, India’s first private commercial rocket.
First Piper 