India’s space ambitions reached new heights in 2025 with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This milestone reflects India’s growing stature as a key player in international space cooperation. The mission was a product of the 2023 India-US strategic partnership to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS, symbolising shift from past technology denial to active collaboration.
India-US Space Collaboration
India and the US have built a strong space partnership. NASA now treats ISRO as a cutting-edge partner. This is evident from joint projects like the Artemis Accords signed by India for lunar exploration. The Axiom-4 mission included over 60 experiments, many designed by Indian scientists, focusing on microgravity effects on crops and microbes. These experiments provide vital data for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight, enhancing life-support systems and astronaut health protocols.
Scientific and Operational Impact of Axiom-4
Shukla’s role was both operational and scientific. Experiments included growing Indian food crops such as moong beans and fenugreek in space and studying resilient microbes like cyanobacteria and tardigrades. These insights will refine astronaut training, spacecraft design, and emergency response strategies. The mission also energised India’s emerging space startup ecosystem by demonstrating the benefits of international collaboration.
India’s Broader International Space Partnerships
India’s space cooperation extends beyond the US. ISRO works with France’s CNES on the Trishna thermal imaging satellite mission for Earth resource management. Partnership with Japan’s JAXA includes the Lupex lunar rover mission to explore Moon’s polar water ice. The European Space Agency (ESA) launched Proba-3 satellites using India’s PSLV rocket. These collaborations offer India access to specialised technologies while providing partners with cost-effective launch services.
India’s Space Diplomacy and Commercial Launch Services
India’s space programme is a diplomatic tool. It strengthens bilateral ties by sharing launch capabilities and satellite data. Over 400 satellites from 34 countries have been launched using Indian rockets, generating revenue and international trust. ISRO’s commercial arm has made India a preferred global launch hub for micro-satellites from Singapore, Europe, and Africa.
Indigenous Achievements and Future Prospects
India balances cooperation with self-reliance. ISRO’s achievements include Mangalyaan, the first Asian Mars orbiter, and Chandrayaan-3, the first successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole. The NavIC satellite navigation system and Aditya-L1 solar observatory further showcase India’s expanding capabilities. The planned Gaganyaan mission aims for an independent crewed spaceflight by 2027, placing India among the elite nations capable of human spaceflight with indigenous technology.
India’s Emerging Role in Space Governance
With advanced missions and partnerships, India is gaining influence in international space governance. It is shaping rules and norms for space exploration and commercial activities. India no longer remains a peripheral player but a major contributor to the future of global space research and markets.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of international cooperation in advancing India’s space programme with suitable examples.
- Explain the significance of India’s indigenous space achievements in the context of global space exploration and diplomacy.
- What are the strategic advantages of India’s space diplomacy? How does it impact India’s bilateral relations and global standing?
- Underline the challenges and opportunities for India’s private space sector in the current global space economy.
