Not chips and dips, here's what Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying for Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission

He is set to become the next space hero from India, but he is not letting go of ‘home’ – even when he is in the International Space Station (ISS), miles away from his homeland.In a historic leap for India's space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

Scheduled for launch on June 11, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla's journey will make history as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS.

Shubhanshu Shukla, who goes by the nickname "Shuks", with the historic Ax-4 mission, is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after his idol Rakesh Sharma undertook a spaceflight in 1984.

As Group Captain Shukla prepares to make history as the first Indian Air Force officer to pilot a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), his cargo list is anything but typical.

Scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule on June 11, as early as 8 am ET on Wednesday, from NASA's historic Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) will see Shukla carry a blend of scientific instruments, cultural symbols, and personal mementos that reflect both his heritage and his mission’s objectives.Take a look.

Postcards from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

In a gesture symbolizing India’s growing presence in global scientific endeavors, Shukla will carry specially designed postcards created by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

These postcards serve as mementoes from one of India's leading scientific institutions, representing India's growing presence and aspirations in space exploration.

A plush swan named 'Joy'

Adding a personal touch to his mission, Shukla is bringing along a white plush swan named 'Joy'. This soft toy is not just a sentimental item but serves as a symbol of unity, grace, and India's cultural heritage. The inclusion of Joy signifies a unique personal touch to the high-stakes mission and highlights the emotional and human aspect of space travel.

Indian food

In a bid to share a taste of India with his fellow astronauts, Shukla has been experimenting with Indian cuisine during his training. As per his sister, Suchi Shukla, reported by Hindustan Times, Shubhanshu is carrying a few Indian delicacies with him. According to Suchi, “He is carrying moong dal halwa, gajar ka halwa, aamras, and rice. He is excited to share the delicacies with the other astronauts, too. Since Indian food is high on spices, he wasn’t getting permission to carry them.

But finally, they did allow a few varieties.”

Items representing diverse Indian regions

Shukla has been tasked with carrying items that represent various regions of India. While the exact items remain undisclosed, this initiative reflects India's rich cultural diversity and aims to showcase this heritage on the global stage. The selection process involved university students from different parts of the country, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the endeavor.

A surprise for Rakesh Sharma

In a heartfelt tribute to India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, Shukla plans to carry an item that belonged to Sharma. This gesture symbolizes the continuity of India's space exploration journey and honors the legacy of those who paved the way for future missions.

Personal mementoes and cultural symbols

Beyond the aforementioned items, Shukla is expected to carry personal mementoes and cultural symbols that hold significance to him. While he is not allowed to disclose the personal belongings he’s carrying, Shubhanshu’s sister feels, as reported by Hindustan Times, her brother is “carrying our photos”.

Suchi shared, “He cannot disclose due to protocol. Once you take anything to space, it becomes a certified object that has travelled to space.

So, he will bring those back, and it will be memorabilia for us. We will only get to know what those things are once he’s back.”

Yoga equipment for microgravity practice

Recognizing the importance of physical and mental well-being in space, Shukla plans to incorporate yoga into his daily routine aboard the ISS. He has expressed his intention to perform yoga poses in microgravity, aiming to explore the potential benefits of yoga for astronauts.

This initiative underscores his commitment to maintaining health and mindfulness during the mission.

Scientific instruments for ISRO experiments

Aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct a series of experiments developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indian institutions. These include studies on the cognitive effects of screen use, microbial adaptation, muscle atrophy, and crop resilience in microgravity. The experiments aim to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to India's growing capabilities in space research.