Shubhanshu Shukla shares mesmerising view of Earth from International Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first

Indian astronaut

to reach the

International Space Station

(ISS), has shared stunning images of Earth from space, captivating millions across India and beyond. In his latest pictures, Shukla is seen seated at the edge of the ISS’s iconic 7-windowed

Cupola Module

, with the vast, blue planet Earth majestically visible in the background. These panoramic views highlight the beauty of our home planet, inspiring pride and a renewed sense of global unity. Shukla’s journey aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission marks a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions.

Shubhashu Shukla’s historic mission and arrival at ISS

Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on the

Axiom Space Ax-4 mission

, launching aboard a

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025. After a 28-hour journey, the crew, including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish scientist Slawosz Uznanski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, successfully docked with the ISS on June 26. Shukla serves as the mission pilot, contributing to scientific research and technology demonstrations during the 14-day mission.

The iconic Cupola Module: A window to Earth

The Cupola Module, with its seven windows, offers astronauts an unparalleled panoramic view of Earth and space. Shukla’s photographs from this vantage point reveal breathtaking scenes of continents, oceans, and weather patterns, emphasizing the planet’s interconnectedness. His images have been widely shared on social media platforms, including the Indian government’s official X account (formerly Twitter), where they have garnered immense admiration and pride.

Scientific endeavors and outreach

Beyond capturing mesmerizing visuals, Shukla is actively engaged in critical scientific investigations aboard the ISS. One key experiment focuses on myogenesis, studying how microgravity accelerates muscle atrophy — a challenge for long-duration spaceflight. The data collected is vital for future missions deeper into space and for understanding muscle degeneration on Earth. Alongside research, Shukla participates in global outreach, inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers in India and worldwide.

A message of unity from space

In conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla described seeing India from space as a profound experience, noting that the country appeared "much larger and grander" than on any map. He remarked on the absence of visible borders from orbit, expressing a powerful sense of oneness and shared humanity. This perspective resonates deeply as India celebrates its growing presence in the international space community.

National pride and inspiration

The release of Shukla’s spaceborne photographs has sparked widespread excitement across India. Social media is abuzz with admiration for the astronaut’s achievement and the spectacular views he has shared. His journey symbolizes a new era for Indian space exploration, inspiring millions to dream beyond Earth’s boundaries and fostering a spirit of scientific curiosity and national pride.