Shubhanshu Shukla Unveils India's Decade-Long Plan For Space Station And Moon Missions

India's second astronaut to travel to space, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has outlined an ambitious vision for the country's future in space exploration, saying the next decade could see India move towards establishing its own space station, undertaking human missions to the Moon and strengthening indigenous capabilities for crewed spaceflight. Speaking during the launch of his book Second Orbit in Hyderabad, Shukla said India's space programme is entering a transformative phase that will build on recent achievements and inspire future generations.

In an exclusive interaction with The New Indian Express, Shukla reflected on his journey from being a student to becoming an astronaut, describing his mission as part of a new chapter in India's human spaceflight programme. He said the coming years would be defined by ambitious goals, including advanced human space missions, greater self-reliance in launch technologies and the eventual creation of an Indian space station. Shukla explained that the title of his book, Second Orbit, was chosen as a tribute to India's first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who travelled to space aboard the Soviet space station Salyut 7 in 1984.

Sharma's historic mission marked India's first human presence in space, and Shukla described his own journey, which came 41 years later, as the country's "second orbit" in human space exploration. "The title symbolises not just my mission but also acknowledges the legacy of the first mission and the continuation of India's human spaceflight journey," Shukla said. He added that the book honours Sharma's pioneering achievement while looking ahead to the future of India's space ambitions. Discussing the contents of Second Orbit, Shukla revealed that the book contains several personal stories and experiences that he has not previously shared in public.

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He said interactions with students and audiences are often brief, leaving little opportunity to explain the challenges, emotions and preparation that shaped his journey. Through the book, he hopes readers will gain a deeper understanding of his life—from his early days in the classroom and his career as a fighter pilot to the demanding training that eventually led him into space. According to Shukla, the memoir also offers behind-the-scenes accounts of astronaut training, the scientific work undertaken during his mission and the experiences of representing India aboard the International Space Station.

He said he wanted to present a more personal perspective, highlighting not only the technical aspects of spaceflight but also the perseverance and determination required to achieve such a milestone. Reflecting on India's rapidly evolving space programme, Shukla expressed confidence that the country is well positioned to achieve even more significant milestones over the next decade. He said advances in indigenous technology, launch capabilities and scientific research would play a central role in future missions, paving the way for more complex human spaceflight operations and long-duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

The astronaut also used the occasion to encourage young Indians to remain focused on their goals and embrace challenges with patience and discipline. He emphasised that success in science, aviation and space exploration requires years of preparation, continuous learning and resilience in the face of setbacks. He expressed hope that his story would inspire students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

As India expands its ambitions in space through programmes such as human spaceflight and advanced exploration missions, Shukla believes the nation is entering a defining era. While paying tribute to the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, he said the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts will shape India's future beyond Earth, making the coming decade one of the most exciting periods in the country's space exploration journey.

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