Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla: India’s Space Heroes
Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla: India’s Space Heroes
India has made its mark in space exploration through the inspiring journeys of two astronauts, Rakesh Sharma and Sunita Williams, not Subhanshu Shukla. Their missions, 41 years apart, demonstrate how much India has advanced in its space program. This article shares their stories, accomplishments, and what their missions mean for India’s space ambitions.
Rakesh Sharma: The First Indian in Space
On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma, a test pilot in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to go to space. He was chosen for the Soviet Union’s Interkosmos program and flew on the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, launched from Kazakhstan. Sharma spent eight days on the Salyut 7 space station with two Soviet astronauts, doing experiments on materials and Earth observation.
His most famous moment came when he spoke to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from space. When she asked how India looked from up there, Sharma replied, “Saare Jahan Se Achcha” (Better than the whole world), quoting a patriotic song. Those words became a symbol of pride for India. His mission was a big deal, showing India could join the global space race. After returning, Sharma received the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime bravery award, and a postage stamp was made to honor him.
Subhanshu Shukla: The Next Chapter
On June 25, 2025, Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, another Indian Air Force test pilot, became the second Indian in space. He flew as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial mission with NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX. Launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, Shukla reached the International Space Station (ISS) on June 26, 2025, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS.
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shukla studied at the National Defence Academy and later earned a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science. He joined the Air Force in 2006, flying planes like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-21. In 2019, ISRO picked him for the Gaganyaan program, India’s first human spaceflight mission. He trained in Russia and at ISRO’s facility in Bangalore.
During his 18-day stay on the ISS, Shukla worked on over 60 experiments, including seven from ISRO. These covered muscle health in space, material science, and Earth observation, helping India prepare for Gaganyaan, set for 2027. In a live chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla called India “truly majestic” and said that borders disappear when you see the Earth from space, highlighting the concept of “Unity in Diversity.”
Connecting Their Stories:
Both Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla were Air Force test pilots and NDA graduates, showing the same courage and skill. But their missions reflect how India’s space program has grown. Sharma’s 1984 trip relied on Soviet help, while Shukla’s 2025 mission was a step toward India’s own human spaceflight program with Gaganyaan. Shukla looked up to Sharma as a mentor and even carried a personal item for him to space, planning to give it back after landing.
Sharma said space changes how you see the world, making you realize how small Earth is in the universe. Shukla’s mission, costing ISRO about ₹548 crore (US$65 million), gave India hands-on experience for future missions.
India’s Space Journey:
Since Rakesh Sharma’s flight, ISRO has grown from launching satellites to landing on the Moon and Mars. Subhanshu Shukla’s mission is a key part of preparing for Gaganyaan, which will send Indian astronauts to orbit. ISRO also plans to build its own space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Inspiring a Nation:
Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla’s missions are more than just science—they’ve inspired millions. Sharma’s words in 1984 lit up national pride, and Shukla’s 2025 journey, shared live with the world, showed a bold, modern India. When Shukla returned to Lucknow on August 25, 2025, people celebrated, though security kept him from meeting family at home. His talks with leaders like Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted how his mission fits into India’s dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Conclusion:
Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla are two chapters in India’s space story. Sharma opened the door in 1984, and Shukla carried the torch in 2025, paving the way for India to send its own astronauts to space. Their journeys show India’s growing strength and ambition, inspiring the nation to reach for the stars.
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