Shubhanshu Shukla to take Halwa, Aamras to ISS on historic spaceX Mission

Dubai: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

SpaceX early Wednesday called off the Axiom-4 launch owing to a snag it has been unable to fix in the Falcon-9 rocket.

The Elon Musk firm had, earlier on Monday, said that the issue could be fixed before the launch scheduled for 5.30pm on June 11.

Late Tuesday night Eastern Time, the firm said: “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon-9 launch of Ax-4 to the International Space Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOX (liquid oxygen) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending range availability – we will share a new launch.”

Set to launch in the next few days aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla — nicknamed “Shuks” — will become only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s legendary flight in 1984. But even as he soars into orbit, Shukla is carrying a strong sense of home with him — both culturally and literally.

One of the most personal items aboard the Dragon capsule will be Indian food. According to his sister, Suchi Shukla, the astronaut has packed a few traditional delicacies: Moong dal halwa, gajar ka halwa, aamras, and rice. “He is excited to share these dishes with the other astronauts,” she told Hindustan Times.

“Since Indian food is high on spices, he initially didn’t get permission to carry them. But finally, a few varieties were allowed.”

It’s a simple but powerful gesture — bringing the flavors of India to a space station orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth.

The mission is historic not just for India, but also for the Indian Air Force. Shukla is the first IAF officer to pilot a private spaceflight to the ISS, and he’s doing so with more than just science in mind. His cargo includes a thoughtful collection of items that reflect India's scientific, cultural, and emotional identity.

Among them are postcards from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru — mementoes that symbolize India's growing contributions to global scientific efforts. He's also bringing a plush white swan named 'Joy', a symbolic nod to unity, grace, and Indian heritage.

Representing the country’s diversity, he’s carrying items from different Indian regions, chosen with the help of university students nationwide. Though the full list remains under wraps, this initiative is designed to showcase India’s cultural richness on a global platform.

Perhaps the most heartfelt item in his collection is a special tribute to Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut and Shukla’s personal hero.

While the exact object hasn’t been revealed, it is said to have belonged to Sharma — a symbol of India’s enduring legacy in space.

In addition to cultural items, Shukla will be performing scientific experiments developed by ISRO and Indian research institutions.

These include studies on cognitive function, microbial resistance, muscle atrophy, and agricultural growth in microgravity — projects aimed at enhancing our understanding of space biology and human endurance.

Even in space, Shukla is prioritising wellness. He plans to practice yoga aboard the ISS, adapting traditional poses to the unique challenges of microgravity.

This move highlights the potential of ancient Indian practices in enhancing astronaut health and mindfulness.

Though far from Earth, Shukla’s mission is grounded in everything that makes him Indian — from his heritage and family to his food and scientific curiosity.

As he embarks on this pioneering journey, he’s not just representing India in space — he’s bringing India with him.