Editorial- Stepping Stone: India’s First Astronaut in ISS — On the NASA‑Axiom‑ISRO Tie‑Up
🟡 Introduction & Context
On 12 July 2025, The Hindu editorial lauded the historic NASA–Axiom–ISRO collaboration that enabled Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to serve aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Described as a “stepping stone” for India’s human spaceflight ambitions—especially the Gaganyaan mission—this joint mission marked a new era of international scientific cooperation and technological advancement. Shukla’s mission, covering vital microgravity experiments, exemplifies how strategic global ties can boost national capacity and inspire the next generation of Indian astronauts.
khas khabar+6ISRO+6Indiatimes+6
🔵 Constitutional & Policy Context
| Area | Provision/Relevance |
|---|---|
| Art. 51A (h) | Promotes scientific temper, humanism & inquiry—Shukla embodies this spirit. |
| Art. 253 | Empowers Centre for international treaties—facilitates NASA–ISRO cooperation. |
| NEP 2020 | Emphasises STEM & innovation—Shukla’s work supports this focus. |
| Gaganyaan Mission | India’s independent effort for crewed spaceflight, drawing from international experience. |
🟢 Key Points
Historic Feat: Shukla became the first Indian astronaut on the ISS and second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma (1984).
Wikipedia+1Indiatimes+1Collaborative Model: The mission was a public–private–international partnership—ISRO funded ₹548 cr, Axiom Space and NASA coordinated the mission.
IndiatimesScientific Impact: Conducted 7 microgravity experiments on muscle, microbes, crops, and cognition—critical for long-duration missions like Gaganyaan.
Wikipedia+5ISRO+5Wikipedia+5Strategic Preparation: The collaboration offers hands-on experience in crew coordination, life support, health monitoring, and mission operations—building groundwork for future indigenous missions.
ISRO+1Wikipedia+1National Inspiration: Live interactions with PM Modi and students sparked national pride and motivated aspiring scientists and youth across India.
ISRO
📚 Hard Words – Meanings in English & Hindi
| Word | Meaning (ENG) | Meaning (HIN) |
|---|---|---|
| Microgravity | Minimal gravity (near zero-G) | लघु गुरुत्वाकर्षण (अंतरिक्ष में गुरुत्व की कमी) |
| Cohesion | Unity or teamwork | एकता, एकजुटता |
| Astronautical | Relating to space travel | अंतरिक्ष-यात्रा संबंधी |
| Epidemiology | Study of health in populations | रोग-विज्ञान (जनसंख्या में रोगों का अध्ययन) |
| Piloting | Operating spacecraft | अंतरिक्षयान उड़ाना |
🎯 8 MCQs for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC, RRB & More
Who is India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS?
A. Rakesh Sharma
B. Kalpana Chawla
C. Shubhanshu Shukla ✅
D. Sunita WilliamsWhich mission did Shukla fly on?
A. Gaganyaan
B. Ax‑4 ✅
C. Soyuz MS‑10
D. Shenzhou 12Approximate cost ISRO spent on the Ax‑4 mission?
A. ₹300 cr
B. ₹548 cr ✅
C. ₹700 cr
D. ₹900 crWhich constitutional article encourages scientific temper?
A. Art. 49
B. Art. 51A(h) ✅
C. Art. 32
D. Art. 39Under which article can India enter international treaties?
A. Art. 243
B. Art. 253 ✅
C. Art. 356
D. Art. 368How many experiments did Shukla conduct in space?
A. 5
B. 7 ✅
C. 10
D. 12Which gender is not part of this context?
A. Gender equality
B. Woman representation
C. Not relevant
D. NationalismOne big benefit of Ax‑4 mission: seasoned crew-ground coordination for Gaganyaan. Which domain does this relate to?
A. Judiciary
B. Space diplomacy & joint mission ops ✅
C. Domestic policy
D. Cultural policy
🧠 Exam Relevance
Polity & Governance: Constitutional provisions for science, international agreements & federal funding.
Science & Tech: Human spaceflight, microgravity research, private sector in space.
Economy & Development: ₹548 cr investment importance, future of aerospace economy.
Current Affairs: International cooperation in space, diplomatic science partnerships.
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The Hindu PDF News Analysis Notes | The Hindu PDF Download 17 July 2025
