India Returns to Space After Forty-One Years: Rakesh Sharma Reflects on Space Travel as Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission Makes History – Travel And Tour World

India Returns to Space After Forty-One Years: Rakesh Sharma Reflects on Space Travel as Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission Makes History – Travel And Tour World

Thursday, June 26, 2025

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==

On June 25, 2025, India marked a monumental moment in space exploration as it returned to space after a gap of 41 years. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, alongside three other astronauts from the U.S., Poland, and Hungary, embarked on the historic Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission signifies not only the progress of Indian space exploration but also a new chapter in India’s growing presence in space.

Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to journey into space in 1984, shared his thoughts on this historic day in a recorded podcast released by the Ministry of Defence. Sharma, who spent eight days aboard the Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station, reflected on how space travel alters one’s perspective of the world. “When you’re in space, you realize that the Earth belongs to everyone,” Sharma remarked. “It is not the sole preserve of anyone.”

Space Travel: A Life-Changing Experience

Rakesh Sharma’s words about the shift in perspective are grounded in his personal experience from his 1984 flight. Reflecting on that mission, he spoke about how space travel offers a unique and life-changing view of the Earth. “When you see Earth from space, it’s as though you can feel the unity of all humankind,” Sharma added. “It makes you realize that this planet, with all its beauty and diversity, is something we all share.”

Mr. Sharma, a veteran astronaut who was a test pilot in the Indian Air Force when he was selected for the mission, also recalled the challenges and uniqueness of training in the Soviet Union. “The training was intense, and we had to learn Russian, which took us around two months,” he said. “It was all worth it when we finally took off into space.”

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Journey

On June 25, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla made history as he embarked on his space journey with Axiom Space’s commercial mission to the ISS. The mission, a significant step in India’s space exploration efforts, was watched by millions around the world, including in India. Shukla’s journey was part of a global collaboration, with astronauts from the U.S., Poland, and Hungary joining him aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft launched by SpaceX from the Kennedy Space Center.

The crew’s mission was to conduct various experiments and assist in the development of new technologies. For Shukla, the significance of this mission went beyond just the scientific goals. “Kamaal ki ride thi,” Shukla exclaimed in his first communication from orbit, expressing the excitement and awe that all astronauts feel when experiencing the vastness of space.

A Glimpse of Earth from Space

When asked about his thoughts on Earth from space, Rakesh Sharma shared his admiration for India’s beauty. “India is so diverse — from the coastline to the plains, to the ghats and the Himalayas,” he said. “It’s a beautiful sight, with different colors and textures.”

While the Indo-Soviet mission in 1984 took place in an era when few people had access to television, the Axiom-4 mission’s launch reached global audiences through live television broadcasts and mobile devices. This shift in how space missions are consumed by the public highlights the evolution of technology in just a few decades.

The Mental Impact of Space Travel

Rakesh Sharma also discussed the profound mental impact space travel has on astronauts. “When you go to space, the experience changes you,” he said. “You see the vastness of the universe, and it alters how you view our world. Space travel teaches you that the world is interconnected and fragile.”

Sharma emphasized that while technology has advanced significantly since his flight, the human experience of seeing Earth from space remains profound. “We haven’t changed much as humans,” he remarked. “The mental impact of space travel will always be the same. It changes your view of life and our place in the universe.”

Looking to the Future of Indian Space Exploration

As India celebrates this historic return to space, there is a growing sense of optimism about the future of space exploration. Rakesh Sharma expressed his confidence in India’s space future. “We will continue to push the boundaries of space travel,” he said. “India is poised to be a global leader in space exploration, and I’m confident we will succeed.”

Sharma further emphasized the need for humanity to take care of Earth as we venture further into space. “We need to preserve our planet. We must put an end to conflicts and protect the environment,” he said. “This planet belongs to everyone, and space exploration should help us realize the importance of protecting what we have.”

The Axiom-4 mission marks a significant achievement for India, not only due to the technological progress but also because of the way it inspires future generations. As Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew continue their journey aboard the ISS, the legacy of India’s contributions to space exploration is assured.

A New Dawn for India in Space

The success of the Axiom-4 mission marks a new era for India’s space ambitions. As Rakesh Sharma’s reflections on space travel remind us, space exploration is about much more than just technology—it’s about broadening our perspective and fostering global unity. With this historic return to space, India has once again proven its place among the global leaders in space exploration, and the future looks brighter than ever.

As Shubhanshu Shukla, the pride of India, continues his mission, the nation looks forward to even greater achievements in the cosmos. Space travel will continue to inspire and challenge humanity, and India’s journey into space is just beginning.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==

Source link

Join The Discussion

Compare listings

Compare
Verified by MonsterInsights