National Space Day-2025: Astronauts’ collective message
Exploring space is not just about reaching new frontiers, but about returning home with renewed wisdom
By R Anil Kumar
-
Indian astronauts share what Gaganyaan mission can do for Earth
-
Speaking on the occasion of National Space Day, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with other Gaganyaan astronauts, stressed the transformative nature of seeing Earth from orbit
New Delhi, August 23, 2025. India’s Gaganyaan astronauts reflected on the lesson spaceflight holds for life on Earth, stating how stepping beyond our planet offers not just scientific breakthroughs but also a renewed sense of responsibility and unity.
Speaking at a panel discussion on the occasion of National Space Day, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla stressed the transformative nature of seeing Earth from orbit.
“I got to know Earth better by seeing it from space as a whole. From that distance, you realise how valuable this planet is for all of us, and that perspective was the biggest learning for me. I feel very fortunate to have experienced it,” he said, explaining how astronauts gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile balance of our home world.
For Group Captain Angad Pratap, the vision extends beyond national borders and even Earth itself. “Anyone working in aerospace naturally thinks about the future, whether on the Moon or Mars. But what strikes me whenever I meet astronauts or cosmonauts is that there are no barriers of nationality. Space exploration is about broadening our vision and finding collective solutions for humanity’s future,” he remarked.
His words reflect the growing consensus that space research is as much about global cooperation as it is about technological advancement.
Adding a pragmatic dimension, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan highlighted that space activities must ultimately benefit Earth. “For anything and everything we do in space, there has to be some usefulness back on Earth—otherwise there is no point. Human spaceflight in India is still very new, and there are so many unknowns. We need to approach this journey with humility and without ego,” he emphasised.
The astronauts’ reflections come at a time when India is preparing for ambitious human spaceflight programs, with the forthcoming Gaganyaan mission expected to launch on maiden uncrewed mission in December 2025
Beyond inspiring the next generation, the astronauts believe the mission can drive technological innovations in areas like health, communication, and resource management—benefiting millions on Earth.
Their collective message is clear: exploring space is not just about reaching new frontiers, but about returning home with renewed wisdom.
