Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make a significant mark in the history of space exploration as he embarks on the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as Mission Pilot. This mission marks a pivotal moment, as Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to participate in a mission to the ISS in over forty years, joining three international crewmates on this groundbreaking journey.
In a unique initiative to bring a taste of home to outer space, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has prepared an exclusive menu of Indian delicacies for Shukla. Among the dishes are aam ras, moong dal halwa, and gajar ka halwa. These meals have been meticulously developed through years of collaboration between ISRO and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Crafted to suit the challenges of microgravity, the space-compatible meals are packaged in specialized containers that require rehydration before consumption.
Science will take center stage aboard the ISS, but Shukla is also carrying personal items to help him stay connected with his roots. Although he hasn’t disclosed all the personal items he plans to bring, family members believe he might be taking photographs of loved ones. One item that has been confirmed is a small swan-shaped soft toy named ‘Joy,’ which will serve as the zero-gravity indicator during the mission.
Back in Lucknow, Shukla’s family is a blend of pride and emotion as they prepare for this monumental milestone. “The entire family is praying for him, and we are all very confident and positive. We are not scared now. We are happy that his name will go in history books,” stated his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla.
This mission symbolizes not only Shukla’s personal achievement, but it also highlights India’s growing footprint in international space exploration. With Indian cuisine making its way to the cosmos and a new astronaut poised to leave his mark, the Axiom-4 mission represents a blend of technological progress and national cultural pride.
