What did India’s first ISS astronaut see from space?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut on the International Space Station, captivated young minds with vivid stories from his 18-day voyage.

Connecting from North Goa, he described his time aboard the ISS as both awe-inspiring and transformational, encouraging students to rethink the meaning of borders and belonging.

Shukla’s firsthand observations underscored the message that space gives a radically new perspective on life and unity. The astronaut’s words fueled optimism for India’s space ambitions as part of a broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

How did Shukla describe his first view from space?

Shukla recalled an unforgettable moment when a NASA astronaut pointed out that they would soon fly over India. Together, they prepared cameras and watched the country pass beneath the ISS at night.

The experience, he said, was emotionally overwhelming and visually stunning, portraying India as a glowing tapestry rather than a collection of separate regions.

He explained that from orbit, looking at Earth, distinctions blur and countries dissolve into a beautiful, collective image.

For Shukla, it reminded him that our place on the planet far exceeds our differences, and that perspective is a privilege of space travel.

Did you know?
Shubhanshu Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984.

What does space teach about borders and identity?

When students asked about nationality, Shukla emphasized that identity changes with altitude. “When you leave the planet, your planet becomes your identity,” he explained, noting that in orbit, divisions like countries vanish, leaving only humanity.

He told students, “You do not zoom into a particular continent, a particular country, a particular region, or where you live.

You look at the Earth and say, 'this is where I live.'” This sense of global citizenship, he argued, is a crucial lesson from the space experience and is needed for humanity’s future.

How does the astronaut’s journey inspire students?

Speaking in an online address to over 50,000 students from Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations schools, Shukla encouraged young listeners to dream big.

His story centered on collaboration, education, and daring to imagine roles in India’s next space breakthroughs.

Students learned about his rigorous training as an Air Force pilot and astronaut, as well as the international scientific community aboard the ISS.

Shukla stressed that today’s learners could become tomorrow’s explorers, scientists, and innovators in a rapidly changing world.

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What role will India’s space sector play in the future?

Shukla projected confidence that India’s space sector will act as a prime mover for growth and technology leadership.

With mission milestones like Chandrayaan-3 and plans for a lunar landing by 2040, India is poised to accelerate its path to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Government forecasts anticipate the space economy to reach $ 44 billion by 2033, fueled by hundreds of homegrown startups and collaborative missions, such as Chandrayaan-5 and NASA-ISRO’s NISAR project.

How might Shukla’s experience shape India’s ambitions?

India’s first ISS astronaut framed his journey as evidence that space is both a bridge and a mirror, showing a united Earth while reflecting shared aspirations.

Shukla closed his address with a conviction that borderless thinking and space innovation will help power India’s economic rise and inspire a new generation to see possibilities beyond boundaries.

As the nation celebrates his return, Shukla’s legacy will resonate in classrooms and boardrooms alike, reshaping how India perceives its place in the world.