Shubhanshu Shukla breaks Rakesh Sharma’s record for longest time in space by an Indian
In a remarkable achievement, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has broken the record for spending the longest time in space by an Indian. Shukla, who is currently onboard the International Space Station (ISS), has spent nearly 11 days in space so far, surpassing the record held by Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma for over three decades.
Rakesh Sharma, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, had spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes in space in 1984 as part of the Soviet Union’s Interkosmos program. His record had stood the test of time, and many had thought it would remain unbroken for a long time. However, Shubhanshu Shukla has not only broken Sharma’s record but has also demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in space exploration.
Shukla’s journey to the ISS began on [Date], when he launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He was part of a crew of four astronauts who were sent to the ISS for a six-month mission. During his time onboard the station, Shukla has been involved in a range of scientific experiments, including research on the effects of microgravity on the human body and the behavior of fluids in space.
Shukla’s achievement is not only significant for India but also for the entire space community. It highlights the country’s growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to sending its astronauts to space. The Indian space program has made significant strides in recent years, with the country launching a range of satellites and spacecraft, including the Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon and the Mangalyaan mission to Mars.
Shukla’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Shukla has had a distinguished career, with over two decades of service. He was selected as an astronaut by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2019, along with fellow astronaut Rakesh B Pandey.
Shukla’s experience in space is not without its challenges. Living in microgravity for extended periods can be physically and mentally demanding, and astronauts must undergo rigorous training to prepare themselves for the rigors of space travel. Shukla has undergone extensive training, including simulations of spacewalks, robotic operations, and emergency scenarios.
Shukla’s achievement has been widely hailed in India, with many congratulating him on his record-breaking feat. The Indian government has also praised Shukla’s achievement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating him on his success.
As Shukla continues his mission on the ISS, he is expected to spend several more weeks in space, conducting scientific experiments and contributing to the station’s research program. His achievement is a significant milestone for India’s space program, and it paves the way for future Indian astronauts to follow in his footsteps.
Source:
https://x.com/axiom_space
