New Delhi: In a historic and heartwarming moment, Indian Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), was photographed inside the station’s iconic Cupola module — a seven-windowed observation dome offering breathtaking panoramic views of Earth. The image, shared by MyGovIndia on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral and is being hailed as a proud milestone in India’s space journey.
Shukla, who reached the ISS on June 26 as part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, has now spent over a week orbiting Earth. MyGovIndia captioned the viral post:
“Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.”
Gazing Down From The Space!
Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.#Axiom4… pic.twitter.com/E9XKZIatng
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) July 6, 2025
In a live interaction from space with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla revealed that he brought along a taste of India to space, carrying traditional treats like gajar ka halwa and aamras, which he gladly shared with his fellow astronauts.
“I brought food items like gajar ka halwa and aamras along with me to space and have given them as a treat to my fellow astronauts,” he said during the interaction.
Reflecting on the view from space, the pilot-astronaut added emotionally, “India looks grander and more magnificent from space than it does on the map.”
The Axiom-4 mission, a significant step in commercial human spaceflight, is led by veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson, with mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary joining Shukla onboard.
As images of Shukla gazing at Earth from the Cupola inspire millions, the moment is being seen as symbolic of India’s growing presence and aspirations in global space exploration.
