Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Observed Aboard ISS Over Kodaikanal

On July 9, 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was prominently featured in a video captured by scientists at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory as the International Space Station (ISS) flew over the skies of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Shukla, who has become the first Indian astronaut to step aboard the ISS, is currently participating in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) program, where he has been conducting a series of scientific experiments for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, operating since 1899 under the auspices of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is renowned for its research on solar phenomena. Recently, the observatory's team shifted their focus from solar observations to capturing the ISS as it traversed the Indian night sky. The ISS orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers and travels at an astounding speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, appearing as a bright moving dot to observers on the ground.

Shubhanshu Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, has already spent 212 days in space. His current mission, Axiom-4, involves a diverse range of scientific experiments, technology tests, and outreach efforts aimed at enhancing public engagement with space exploration. Alongside Shukla, the crew includes mission commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu, all of whom are dedicated to advancing knowledge in aerospace science.

"The work being conducted on ISS has profound implications for both future space missions and for applications on Earth," said Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, an aerospace engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and the potential benefits of the research being conducted by Shukla and his team.

The ISS serves as a microgravity laboratory where scientists conduct experiments that would be impossible on Earth, contributing to our understanding of various scientific fields, including biology, physics, and materials science. As the Axiom Mission 4 approaches its conclusion, the crew's findings may influence the design and operation of future space missions, particularly as humanity looks towards a potential presence on Mars and beyond.

In addition to scientific research, Shukla's mission has garnered significant public interest in India, highlighting the nation’s growing capabilities in space exploration. The successful capture of the ISS over Kodaikanal signifies not only a technological achievement but also an inspiration for future generations of scientists and engineers in India.

As Shukla and his team prepare for their return to Earth, the implications of their work will continue to resonate within both the scientific community and the broader public, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey into space.