What Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Is Taking to Space on Axiom-4: Halwa, a Swan Toy and a Loving Note to His Wife
After more than four decades, India is once again reaching for the stars - this time through the dreams and determination of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla . On June 25, the Indian Air Force pilot embarks on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a landmark private mission to the International Space Station (ISS). But Shukla’s mission isn’t just about science and technology - it’s also about heart, heritage, and home.
A Taste of India in Orbit
Even as he prepares for intense experiments aboard the ISS, Shukla is taking a slice of Indian tradition with him. At a pre-launch briefing, he shared, "There will be plenty of food to eat in space, but I will be carrying mango nectar, carrot halwa (gajar ka halwa), and moong dal halwa with me."
These sweets are more than just comfort food - they are nostalgic reminders of home and cultural identity. By sharing them with his international crew, Shukla hopes to offer not just flavours from India, but a taste of togetherness in an otherwise high-tech, high-stakes environment.
A Tribute to a Legend
Shukla, born in 1985, grew up inspired by Rakesh Sharma - the first Indian in space. Now carrying that legacy forward, he’s paying tribute to the man who inspired his dream. As he revealed, "He has been advising me on many things, including how to prepare for this mission." Shukla is taking a secret memento along as a personal gift for Sharma, though he’s keeping the exact item a surprise until his return.
Meet Joy: The Space Swan
Joining Shukla on this cosmic journey is a small white toy swan named Joy. More than a mascot, Joy will serve as the zero-gravity indicator. As soon as the capsule hits orbit, Joy will begin to float—signalling to the astronauts that they’ve officially left Earth.
A Taste of India in Orbit
Even as he prepares for intense experiments aboard the ISS, Shukla is taking a slice of Indian tradition with him. At a pre-launch briefing, he shared, "There will be plenty of food to eat in space, but I will be carrying mango nectar, carrot halwa (gajar ka halwa), and moong dal halwa with me."
These sweets are more than just comfort food - they are nostalgic reminders of home and cultural identity. By sharing them with his international crew, Shukla hopes to offer not just flavours from India, but a taste of togetherness in an otherwise high-tech, high-stakes environment.
A Tribute to a Legend
Shukla, born in 1985, grew up inspired by Rakesh Sharma - the first Indian in space. Now carrying that legacy forward, he’s paying tribute to the man who inspired his dream. As he revealed, "He has been advising me on many things, including how to prepare for this mission." Shukla is taking a secret memento along as a personal gift for Sharma, though he’s keeping the exact item a surprise until his return.
Meet Joy: The Space Swan
Joining Shukla on this cosmic journey is a small white toy swan named Joy. More than a mascot, Joy will serve as the zero-gravity indicator. As soon as the capsule hits orbit, Joy will begin to float—signalling to the astronauts that they’ve officially left Earth.
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