Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Longest-Staying Indian In Space, Spends Day Off Connecting With Family

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, has officially become the Indian with the longest duration in space. As of Thursday, Shukla has spent nine days in orbit, surpassing the previous record held by his mentor, Rakesh Sharma.

Shukla, who docked at the ISS on June 26, marked a week in space with a well-earned day off. He used the time to connect with family and friends back on Earth, sharing updates and moments from his historic journey.

His milestone eclipses the previous record set by Sharma during the Soviet Interkosmos program in 1984, where Sharma spent seven days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes in space — a benchmark that had stood for over four decades.

The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant step in expanding India’s presence in human spaceflight, with Shukla's achievement seen as an inspiring moment for the country’s growing space ambitions.

Shukla On India From Space

Shukla said his travel to the space station was not just his personal feat but a collective achievement of the entire nation.

Prime minister Narendra Modi told Shukla that his space sojourn would become a source of great inspiration to the youth of the country.

"I am confident that this will become a source of great inspiration. It has been a true pleasure speaking with you today," PM Modi said.

Shukla told the prime minister that he had brought with him gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa and aam ras (mango nectar) which was relished by fellow astronauts on the space station.