Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, has recounted an emotionally charged experience from his space journey, detailing how he felt moved upon first observing India from the International Space Station (ISS). This poignant moment occurred nearly four days into his mission, which took place in 2025. Shukla shared this personal account during a podcast interview with Raj Shamani.

As the ISS travelled from south to north, it approached the Indian Ocean before revealing the Indian subcontinent. Shukla described the scene as India emerged from the darkness of the ocean as the station advanced over the peninsula, marking a striking visual transformation.

Viewers often find awe in such moments, and Shukla was no exception. From approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth, he was able to spot prominent Indian cities, including Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Lucknow, as well as tracing the India-Bangladesh border. He noted that within less than a minute, the space station had traversed the entirety of the subcontinent, making its way over the Himalayas shortly thereafter.

Unique Experience of Microgravity

The astronaut highlighted that the encounter was not just emotional but also educational. He recalled becoming teary-eyed during this evocative moment; his eyes filled with tears yet they did not fall, an unusual phenomenon attributed to microgravity conditions in space. On Earth, tears flow down due to gravity, but in the absence of such a force, they form a thin film around the eyelids.

This situation leads astronauts to frequently blink or wipe their eyes, as the moisture does not drain as it would on Earth. Shukla expressed that while he felt the moisture in his eyes, he was struck by the lack of tears streaming down his face, an experience that many astronauts face during missions.

The microgravity environment of the ISS plays a role in altering common bodily functions, including how emotional responses manifest physically. It contrasts sharply with the terrestrial experience, ultimately adding a layer of intrigue to Shukla’s narrative.

Personal Significance of the Experience

Beyond the scientific explanation, Shukla emphasised the personal resonance of witnessing India illuminated against the vast darkness of space. This moment held deep significance for him, one that brought forth a wave of emotion even if it lacked the physical manifestation of tears. The visual experience served as a reminder of his roots and the beauty of his homeland.

Shukla’s reflection also touches upon themes of identity and connection to one’s country during extraordinary experiences. His journey serves as a vivid reminder of the world’s shared beauty, especially from an unheard perspective of space.

Currently, Shubhanshu Shukla is engaged in preparations for India’s upcoming crewed spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. His experiences aboard the ISS will likely contribute positively to this mission, shaping the future of India’s ambitions in space exploration.

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