India’s next generation may no longer need to look abroad for a ticket to the stars. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first ISRO
Gaganyaan astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in July this year and only the second Indian in space, told students in Kolkata that the nation is building an ecosystem where many will travel to space, and many more will power those journeys.
Speaking at an event organised by the Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP) on Wednesday, Shukla urged young people to stay curious and study hard, emphasising that the possibilities for India’s youth in space science are endless.
After touring the ICSP museum and participating in a panel discussion about his time beyond Earth, Shukla reflected on India’s accelerating space ambitions. “We’ve already set bold goals - Mission Gaganyaan, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and a lunar landing. There’s huge energy in this field; the next 10–20 years will be transformative,” he said.
Returning to Kolkata When asked about his familiarity with the city, Shukla said he had visited before during his Air Force career. “We have a unit in Barrackpore, and when you start flying, you train there. Kolkata is a beautiful city, and it feels good to be back,” he noted.
The Future of space science in India Shukla was optimistic about the country’s trajectory in space exploration. “The future is very bright. As a nation, we have set ambitious targets, and there is a lot of excitement in this field. The next 10–20 years will be very exciting,” he said.
Asked about India’s view from space, he reflected, “This is an old but important question — it was asked when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma went to space as well. India still looks good from all sides.”
A message to youngsters Addressing students, Shukla emphasised the potential of India’s youth. “Youngsters today are extremely capable and talented. My message is simple: as a nation, we are moving towards big and bold dreams. Each one of us must take responsibility to help India move towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
For children inspired by astronauts such as Rakesh Sharma, Kalpana Chawla, and Sunita Williams, Shukla urged focus and perseverance. “Reaching space after 48 years is an achievement of the whole country. There is no shortage of talent. Earlier, one had to go abroad to become an astronaut. But in a few years, children can dream of becoming astronauts in India itself. It will become a thriving ecosystem where many will go to space, and many more will support those missions. Stay curious, study hard — the possibilities are endless.”
Looking ahead: Moon, Gaganyaan, and Indian Space Station When asked about India’s lunar ambitions, Shukla explained, “These missions are extremely complex, so it’s difficult to give an exact timeline. The target is 2040, and work is underway. As test missions progress, the timeline will evolve. But one thing I can say with certainty — we will definitely get there.”
Regarding Gaganyaan and the proposed Indian Space Station, he added, “It would not be appropriate for me to comment on exact timelines. The teams are working continuously. Each test mission teaches lessons that refine the next step. We are doing this for the first time, so challenges are natural. But I am confident we will achieve it.”
The role of AI in space exploration Shukla also highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence in space missions. “AI is already playing a big role. These are technologies of today and tomorrow, so we consciously absorb them into our designs. The challenge with building a space station is to make it future-proof for the next 20–30 years. How do we integrate technologies that will arrive 10 or 20 years from now? Scientists are working on that, and I’m confident we will find effective ways to integrate AI with human spaceflight.”
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