India Still Shines Bright from Space: Astronaut Echoes Historic Sentiment

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after a historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and his first words echo a sentiment felt decades ago: India is truly a magnificent sight from space.

Shukla’s Journey and Experiments on the ISS

Launched as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a private spaceflight initiative, Shukla’s journey represents a significant milestone for India’s increasing collaboration in space exploration. During his time on the ISS, Shukla dedicated himself to conducting over 60 experiments, pushing the boundaries of scientific research in the unique microgravity environment.

A Legacy of Inspiration: Following in Rakesh Sharma’s Footsteps

Shukla’s awe-inspiring words mirror those of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, who famously described India as “saare jahan se achcha” (the best in the world) when asked by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi about how India looked from space. This shared sentiment underscores the profound impact of witnessing Earth from such a unique vantage point.

This mission symbolizes India’s ambitious and increasingly global presence in space exploration, marking a new chapter in the nation’s journey to the stars.