October 10 , 2025 : Indian-origin astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has shared an inspiring perspective on his experience in space, emphasizing that once beyond Earth’s boundaries, nationality loses significance and a profound sense of shared humanity takes over. His reflections come as global interest in space exploration intensifies, with countries around the world increasing collaboration on missions beyond national borders.
Speaking at a recent international space conference, Shukla described his time aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as a transformative journey that changed how he viewed Earth and humanity. “In space, you stop seeing the world as divided by lines or colors. You see one planet — one home — shared by billions of people,” he said. “Up there, nationality fades away. What remains is our collective identity as human beings.”
Shukla, who represented India in a global astronaut training program before joining an international crew mission, highlighted how teamwork and unity among astronauts from diverse nations define the success of any space mission. “In space, survival depends on trust and cooperation. You rely on each other completely — regardless of where you come from or which flag is on your uniform,” he added.
The astronaut’s comments come at a time when international cooperation in space is stronger than ever. Agencies such as NASA, ISRO, ESA, and JAXA are working on joint missions related to lunar exploration, satellite launches, and scientific research. Shukla emphasized that this global collaboration is a reflection of how space brings people together for a common purpose — discovery and advancement.
“When you look at Earth from orbit, you don’t see borders. You see blue oceans, white clouds, and green lands. It’s breathtaking and humbling. That view reminds you that our differences are small compared to what we share,” Shukla noted.
Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to space has been a story of determination, learning, and perseverance. From studying aerospace engineering to training in extreme conditions, his career reflects the spirit of India’s growing participation in global space exploration. He credited his success to his early inspiration from ISRO’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, saying they sparked his dream of contributing to space science.
During his address, Shukla also shared insights on the emotional and psychological challenges of space travel. “When you are floating thousands of kilometers above Earth, you realize how fragile life is and how interconnected we are. The silence of space makes you appreciate every voice, every smile, every moment on Earth,” he explained.
He added that the experience has deepened his belief in international unity, especially in tackling global issues like climate change, technological inequality, and peacekeeping. “From space, you can see the Amazon forests, the glaciers melting, the cities glowing at night — and you understand that what happens in one part of the world affects everyone. Space teaches you global responsibility,” he said.
Shukla urged young people in India and across the world to think beyond boundaries and dream globally. He encouraged students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), stressing that space exploration is not just about astronauts but also about the thousands of scientists, engineers, and innovators who make missions possible. “Every space mission begins with curiosity. Keep asking questions, and you’ll find your orbit,” he advised.
The astronaut also expressed admiration for India’s advancements in space technology, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan missions. “India is at a turning point in space exploration. The success of Chandrayaan-3 showed that we can achieve incredible things through determination and innovation,” he said, noting that India’s growing partnerships with other space-faring nations would help strengthen global research and technological exchange.
Space experts at the conference applauded Shukla’s remarks for emphasizing the importance of cooperation over competition in space. “His words echo what astronauts from many nations have felt — that once you’re out there, you represent all of humanity,” said Dr. Anne Keller, a senior scientist with the European Space Agency.
As humanity prepares for ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Shukla believes the lessons learned from space cooperation will be crucial. “The future of space exploration lies in working together. It’s not about who gets there first — it’s about what we discover together and how we use that knowledge to improve life on Earth,” he concluded.
His reflections serve as a reminder that while space exploration pushes the limits of technology and endurance, it also deepens our understanding of unity and compassion. From orbit, where Earth appears as a small blue sphere in the vast darkness, astronauts like Shubhanshu Shukla see what truly matters — humanity, connection, and hope.
Summary
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said space transcends nationality, fostering unity and shared humanity. He urged global cooperation in exploration and praised India’s growing space achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan.