Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Reach International Space Station

In a moment that will be etched in India’s space history forever, Lucknow-born astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a giant leap for the nation’s space ambitions. Shukla, along with three international crewmates, successfully docked aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft on Thursday, 28 hours after a spectacular launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

As news of the successful docking broke, the country erupted in celebration. At City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, Shukla’s alma mater, students, teachers, and hundreds of citizens gathered at the World Unity Convention Centre to witness the moment live.

“This is not just a personal achievement, it’s a national milestone,” said Shukla’s father, Shambhu Shukla. “He is our son, but today, he belongs to the whole country. He carries with him the aspirations of a new India aiming for the stars.”

Shubhanshu’s sister, Suchi Misra, described the scene as surreal. “He’s there. He made it to the ISS. We’re overwhelmed. This is history, and he’s made India a part of it.”

The moment is all the more significant as India returns to human spaceflight after 41 years. While Indian astronauts have gone to space before, none had ever boarded the International Space Station, until now.

Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, president of CMS, called it a turning point. “Shubhanshu represents India’s growing technological and scientific capabilities. His success will inspire a generation of students to believe that space is within reach.”

That inspiration is already taking root. “After the launch, the interest in space science among students has skyrocketed,” said Sudhanshu Gaur, Shubhanshu’s former sports teacher. “At a recent fancy dress event, most students came dressed as astronauts. The excitement is real.”

Rishi Khanna, head of communications at CMS, echoed the emotion of the day: “When the docking was confirmed, the entire hall stood up. Many were in tears. It was pride, it was history, it was India arriving on the global space stage.”

With this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla not only makes history as the first Indian aboard the ISS but also signals a bold new chapter in the nation’s space exploration journey.