India reenters the realm of space after a gap of 41 years as Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut, launches on Axiom-4.

On June 25, Group Captain of the Indian Air Force and astronaut, Mr. Shubhanshu Shukla, achieved a historic milestone as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launched successfully from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, heading towards the International Space Station (ISS). This event marks the first human spaceflight backed by the Indian government since the legendary mission of Astronaut Wing Commander Mr. Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He is among four astronauts selected for India's Gaganyaan programme and is piloting the Crew Dragon C213 capsule on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, making him the first Indian to set foot on the ISS. The mission lasts 14 days and includes astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary, featuring over 60 scientific experiments focusing on neurofeedback, microbiome research, wearable health technology, and cognitive studies. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is investing Rs. 550 crore (US$ 63.9 million) in the Gaganyaan initiative, which is currently scheduled for launch in late 2026 or early 2027. This mission also represents a significant achievement for India’s private space sector, with companies like Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Skyroot, Agnikul Cosmos, and Manastu taking on important roles. As per a report from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)-EY, India’s space economy is expected to rise from Rs. 72,299 crore (US$ 8.4 billion) in 2024 to Rs. 3,78,708 crore (US$ 44 billion) by 2033, increasing its global market share from 2% to 8%. To achieve this growth, approximately Rs. 1,89,354 crore (US$ 22 billion) in new investments will be necessary. Leaders in the industry argue that missions like Ax-4 not only enhance India's space capabilities but also foster innovation and draw global partnerships, which are crucial for developing a self-sufficient and competitive space ecosystem.