ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: 16 sunrises and sunsets! What will he see from space?
Edited By Abhinav Yadav
Published: May 21, 2025, 18:46 IST | Updated: May 23, 2025, 19:15 IST
The first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission. From 400 kilometres above, he will witness sights few on Earth can imagine.
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(Photograph: Axiom Space)
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Window to Earth
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s new space hero, is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission. From 400 kilometres above, he will witness sights few on Earth can imagine.
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(Photograph: Axiom Space)
16 Sunrises and Sunsets Every Day
On the ISS, Shukla will see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every 24 hours. As the station orbits Earth every 90 minutes, each sunrise and sunset paints the planet in breathtaking colours, creating some of the most dramatic views in the cosmos.
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(Photograph: NASA)
The Ultimate View – Earth from the Cupola
The ISS has a special bay window called the Cupola. Here, Shukla can enjoy a 360-degree view of Earth, watching continents drift by, city lights twinkle at night, and storms swirl across the oceans. Astronauts call this the best seat in space.
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(Photograph: NASA)
The “Overview Effect” – Seeing Earth as One
Many astronauts say seeing Earth from space changes them forever. Mike Massimino described the planet as “heavenly,” shining with swirling colours and beauty. Shukla will experience this “overview effect”, realising how small and connected our world really is.
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(Photograph: NASA)
The ISS – Bigger Than a House
The ISS is larger than a six-bedroom house, with six sleeping pods, two bathrooms, a gym, and the famous Cupola window. Shukla will float through its modules, seeing the world from every angle, and sharing this unique view with all of India.
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(Photograph: NASA)
Night-time Wonders – Lightning and City Lights
At night, Shukla will see lightning storms flash across continents and the glowing lights of cities far below. The view is so clear that astronauts can spot major landmarks, rivers, and even the Himalayas from space.
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(Photograph: NASA)
A View That Changes Lives
For Shubhanshu Shukla, the view from the ISS will be more than just beautiful – it will be life-changing. As he gazes down on Earth, he joins a select group who have seen our planet as a whole, inspiring a new generation of Indian space explorers.
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