Shubhanshu Shukla’s flight to the International Space Station is more than symbolic—it’s a strategic leap for India’s Gaganyaan programme. As the mission pilot aboard Axiom-4, Shukla is collecting vital hands-on data, training in real zero gravity, and testing how Indian systems might perform under pressure. According to ISRO scientists, this is a cheaper, safer way to prepare for crewed spaceflight. His experience could eliminate unknowns before India attempts its first human space launch.