By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Axiom-4 mission successfully launched from Florida, carrying a multi-national crew that included Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to journey into space. Piloting the commercial flight to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla is poised to become the first Indian to visit the orbiting laboratory, marking India’s return to space after 41 years. The mission, a collaboration between NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and others, also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary. This significant event has generated considerable excitement in India, with ISRO recognizing the valuable experience Shukla will gain, supporting its future spaceflight endeavors.
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India sends its first astronaut into space after 41 years, marking a significant moment in the nation’s spacefaring history. It’s important to clarify that while this is a monumental achievement, it wasn’t India’s first foray into space. A previous Indian cosmonaut journeyed into space during the Soviet era. This recent mission, however, distinguishes itself by being the first instance of an Indian national venturing into space through a non-Soviet or non-Russian program, using a commercial flight on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
It’s truly impressive to witness India’s growing influence on the world stage, especially its advancements in space exploration. The fact that India is increasingly recognized as a rising power is undeniable. The development of a robust space program reflects its commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Some might point to the “brain drain” phenomenon, where talented individuals leave India for opportunities elsewhere. While this undoubtedly has an impact, it shouldn’t overshadow the incredible progress India is making.
The current mission serves as a stepping stone. The ambitious goal of a fully crewed Indian rocket launch, currently slated for 2027, shows a bold commitment to indigenous space capabilities. This mission provided the astronaut with crucial experience, even before the launch on India’s own vehicle. This strategic move is commendable, as it ensures a well-prepared and experienced crew for the eventual independent launch.
When considering the nomenclature for Indian spacefarers, the question of what they should be called comes into play. Some might suggest adopting the term “Antarikshnaut,” derived from the Hindi word for space, which aligns with the naming conventions of other nations, like the US “Astronauts,” Russia’s “Cosmonauts,” and China’s “Taikonauts.” The establishment of a unique term will help signify and solidify India’s presence in the space community.
It’s understandable that some might see this event as a smaller step compared to the ultimate goal of an independent launch. Yet, any step into space, regardless of the vehicle, is a victory for India and a testament to the dedication of its scientists and engineers. The journey of an Indian astronaut, no matter the rocket’s origin, is a significant feat.
It’s worth clarifying that the current mission utilizes a commercial launch service. While a commercial flight, it still represents a significant step forward for India’s space program, demonstrating its ability to collaborate with global partners and gain valuable experience. The fact that the astronaut has been waiting and preparing for a long time to reach this stage, certainly highlights their determination and resilience.
Even if there are differing views on the priorities of the Indian government, this moment is something to be celebrated. The endeavor into space is a remarkable achievement, and there is no denying that. Pursuing space exploration, and scientific advancement in general, is not a distraction from progress. Instead, it can inspire the younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
It is relevant to recognize the success of ISRO, the Indian space agency, which has achieved many remarkable milestones. ISRO stands as a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in space and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding.
The comments regarding the social dynamics and internal problems need to be considered in a nuanced way. While acknowledging the presence of complexities within India, like any large, diverse country, is essential, it’s crucial to focus on the achievement at hand: sending an Indian national into space.
For the record, an astronaut, as the term is commonly used, is trained and certified by agencies like NASA, ESA, CSA, and JAXA. “Cosmonaut,” is used by Russia’s program, and “Taikonaut,” is used in China. Though terms differ, the ultimate objective is the same; exploration of the cosmos.
Ultimately, the fact that India has successfully sent its first astronaut into space after 41 years is a major triumph. It showcases the country’s technological prowess, ambition, and determination. It’s a moment to celebrate the accomplishments, acknowledge the challenges, and look forward to the future of India in space.