First Indian ISS astronaut Shukla: India's space dreams are "big and bold"

• Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, stated India has "big and bold dreams" in space, re-entering human spaceflight after 41 years.
• Shukla's ISS flight was a "stepping stone" for India's 'Vision Gaganyaan', with experience gained being a national asset.
• India's space ambitions include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, the Bharatiya Station, and a human landing on the Moon by 2040.
• Shukla emphasized that space missions inspire youth and create employment, urging them to help build a developed India by 2047.
• He noted India is developing a full-fledged astronaut ecosystem, allowing children to dream of becoming astronauts within the country.

Why It Matters: India's bold space ambitions promise future opportunities and national pride.