Shukla's flight countdown

"THE REASONS included the Challenger tragedy (which occurred on January 28, 1986, resulting in the death of all seven crew members aboard), a shift in public sentiment in the West post-recession, and the fall of the USSR.

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As space was, back then, an endeavor solely of public institutions, geopolitical and macroeconomic considerations mattered the most," added Chandana. Skyroot Aerospace is an Indian private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider headquartered in Hyderabad.

Shukla, 39, is among the four designated astronauts shortlisted last year for India's first-ever human space flight, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Later, it was announced that he would also serve as a pilot on board Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the ISS, for which the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is reportedly spending ₹550 crore, with the express goal of gaining experience for future crewed missions.

"Group Captain Shukla's mission will provide India with a valuable experience to observe, adopt, and improve upon," added Chandana.