Subhanshu Shukla’s Space Stay: Shrimp Cocktails, Haircuts & Gajar ka Halwa

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, returned from an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with the Axiom‑4 crew, marking a major milestone for India’s human spaceflight journey. Launched on June 25 after delays, this mission makes Shukla the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984 and is a strategic precursor to India’s Gaganyaan mission in 2027, backed by a ₹550 crore investment from ISRO.

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Zero‑Gravity Celebration:
Before departing on July 14, the crew hosted a memorable “party” in microgravity. Floating shrimp cocktails, crackers, chicken and beef fajitas, and a space cake made for a festive atmosphere. American astronaut Jonny Kim shared that they “swapped stories and shared food while floating in space”.

Floating Haircut & Hygiene:
Shukla received India’s first in-space haircut—performed by a teammate—while orbiting Earth at 28,000 km/h. Though initial stubble gave way to a clean-shaven look, maintaining hygiene involved using wipes instead of showers, typical of ISS routines.

Indian Flavours in Orbit:
The culinary highlight wasn’t limited to Western delights. Shukla and the Axiom crew celebrated with traditional Indian desserts—gajar ka halwa and moong dal halwa—specially developed by ISRO and DRDO for space missions. These treats underscored the cultural diversity aboard the ISS and India’s growing role in space food science.

This mission yielded invaluable insights for astronaut training, life support, and cross-cultural collaboration in space. Shukla’s journey not only celebrated friendship and Indian heritage in orbit but also strengthened India’s readiness for future missions like Gaganyaan. His space feats—microscopic grooming, gourmet treats, and festive camaraderie—underscore the evolving nature of human space exploration.