ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla: What is the Starman suit that the Indian astronaut will wear in space?
Edited By Subhadra Srivastava
Published: May 24, 2025, 17:57 IST | Updated: May 24, 2025, 17:57 IST
Shubhanshu Shukla has tested the same pressure suit worn by NASA astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft — a suit often referred to as the 'Starman suit'. Shukla will wear the same suit for the Axiom-4 mission. Here are some facts about the 'Starman Suit'.
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(Photograph:NASA)
Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for space
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission, scheduled for launch on June 8, 2025. He will become the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. As part of his training with SpaceX, Shukla has tested the same pressure suit worn by NASA astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft — a suit often referred to as the 'Starman suit'. Shukla will wear the same suit for the Axiom-4 mission. Here are some facts about the 'Starman Suit'.
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(Photograph:NASA)
What is the Starman Suit?
The Starman suit is a pressure suit which is developed by SpaceX for the astronauts flying in its Crew Dragon capsule. Unlike the bulky suits worn on spacewalks by astronauts, this one is worn only inside the spacecraft. It is purposeful and is designed to keep astronauts safe in the event of cabin depressurisation during launch or re-entry.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space)
Designed with form and function in mind
The suit was designed by Jose Fernandez, a Hollywood costume designer who is known for work on superhero films. SpaceX founder Elon Musk, while talking about the suit said that it had to look good but, more importantly, had to work. Engineers later turned the design into functional flight hardware.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space)
One piece, custom fit
Each Starman suit is a single unit tailored to the astronaut. The helmet is 3D-printed and is fused with microphones and pressure valves. The gloves are touchscreen-sensitive which allows interaction with spacecraft controls. A single cable connects these suits to life support systems in the seat.
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(Photograph:SpaceX)
Inside use only
These suits are strictly not meant for spacewalks. NASA uses a separate Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for working outside the ISS. The Starman suit is only a Launch and Entry Suit (LES), meaning it only protect astronauts while they’re seated inside the capsule.
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(Photograph:NASA)
Light, flexible, functional
Another interesting fact about the suit is that these are lighter and more flexible than earlier NASA designs. It regulates temperature and provides oxygen if needed.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space)
A glimpse of the future
As India readies its own Gaganyaan mission with the ISRO chief announcing 2025 as the 'Gaganyaan year', Shukla’s participation in Axiom-4 marks a symbolic step. The Starman suit is not just a technical outfit — it represents a growing partnership between nations and companies aiming to make human spaceflight safer and more accessible.
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