Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes India’s First ISS Astronaut in 40 Years

By BPN News Desk July 12, 2025

Science Space & Astronomy

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut, has made history as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in over four decades. He arrived aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on June 26 as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4),

Science Space & Astronomy

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Cultivates Moong & Methi on ISS; Return Likely Post–July 14

By BPN News Desk July 10, 2025

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, known as “Shux,” has taken on a groundbreaking agricultural experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during his Axiom‑4 mission, cultivating moong and methi seeds in microgravity. This marks a significant step toward learning how plants grow off Earth, as Shukla works with his three crewmates before their

Science Space & Astronomy

India to Launch 52 Defence Satellites Post Operation Sindoor

By BPN News Desk June 30, 2025

In a decisive response to lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has approved a major plan to launch 52 dedicated defence surveillance satellites by the end of 2029. This massive effort, under the ₹26,968 crore Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) Phase 3 initiative, marks India’s most ambitious military space push yet—aimed at ensuring persistent,

Science Space & Astronomy

“India Looks Very Grand, Very Big From Space,” Says Shubhanshu Shukla to PM Modi

By BPN News Desk June 29, 2025

In a heartwarming live video interaction from the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “India looks very grand, very big from space.” The conversation, which lasted nearly 18 minutes, marked a symbolic moment for India’s human spaceflight ambitions and celebrated the

Science Space & Astronomy

“India Is a Partner, Not a Passenger”: S Somanath on Shukla’s ISS Mission Boosting Gaganyaan

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath has underscored the historic significance of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s presence aboard the International Space Station, stating that India is no longer just a passenger in global space missions. “India is a partner, a participant, and a future-ready crew,” he said, describing the event as a defining moment for […]

Science Space & Astronomy

Shubhanshu Shukla Sends “Namaskar from Space” Ahead of ISS Docking

By BPN News Desk June 26, 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force pilot who became India’s first astronaut in over four decades, sent a warm “Namaskar from space” to Earth as his SpaceX Dragon spacecraft orbited 418 km above the planet, en route to the International Space Station. This heartfelt message, broadcast during a live feed, marked a proud […]

Science Space & Astronomy

Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Pilot Axiom-4 to ISS on June 25

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to make history as he prepares to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, confirmed for June 25, will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT). The crew capsule is […]

Science Space & Astronomy

HAL Wins SSLV Tech Transfer from ISRO in Historic First

By BPN News Desk June 21, 2025

In a pioneering move, India’s largest aerospace firm, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has become the first non-ISRO entity to receive technology transfer rights for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The decision follows a formal agreement signed last week that authorizes HAL to manufacture and further develop the SSLV platform under a broader public–private

Science Space & Astronomy

Axiom‑4 Launch Postponed Amid ISS Safety Assessments

By BPN News Desk June 20, 2025

The planned launch of the Axiom‑4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which was scheduled for Sunday, June 22, has been postponed. NASA and Axiom Space jointly decided to delay the mission to conduct further assessments related to the station’s operational safety. A new launch date is expected to be announced soon. “NASA has […]

Science Space & Astronomy

SpaceX Starship Test Ends in Massive Explosion, All Crew Safe

By BPN News Desk June 19, 2025

On the night of June 18, SpaceX’s Starship prototype—Ship 36—erupted in a massive explosion at its Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas. The incident occurred during a routine static fire test ahead of the planned tenth flight, resulting in a dramatic fireball that lit up the night sky and rattled nearby homes, but fortunately caused no […]