ISRO Astronaut Shares Stunning Orion Nebula Images from Bengaluru

In an impressive display of astrophotography, Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has shared striking images of the Orion Nebula captured from his rooftop in Bengaluru. The images, which showcase varying levels of zoom into this stellar nursery, prominently feature the Horsehead Nebula at the center of the frame.

Shukla, who recently returned from a mission aboard the Axiom 4 SpaceX Dragon and is currently undergoing medical and readaptation procedures, revealed his passion for astrophotography on the social media platform X. His interest in this field began following the first cohort of four Gaganyatris’ return from intensive training at Star City in Russia.

Capturing the Cosmos from Earth

Since returning from the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla has dedicated his time to sharing his astrophotography with the world. He has hinted at more images to come, which he began preparing during his free time in the ISS’s Cupola. This observation module offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Earth and the surrounding cosmos.

The release of Shukla’s images has been somewhat delayed as they undergo verification and clearance processes, given the involvement of multiple space agencies in the Axiom 4 mission. Before his journey, Shukla had committed to meticulously documenting his experiences aboard the ISS, a promise he is fulfilling by sharing these stunning visuals.

“I promised to document all aspects of living and working on board the ISS, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey,” Shukla stated.

Advancing India’s Space Ambitions

The insights gained from the Axiom 4 mission will be invaluable for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which aims to send humans into Earth orbit using domestic technology. This mission will help ISRO refine its procedures and address any potential challenges ahead of the eight planned Gaganyaan missions, two of which will involve crewed flights.

ISRO is currently progressing towards the launch of its first Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for Q4 2025. This initial mission will be an uncrewed flight featuring an unpressurized crew module, while the first crewed flight is anticipated in 2027.

In addition to captivating images, Shukla has also documented videos of microgravity science experiments conducted aboard the ISS. These materials are expected to play a role in ISRO’s outreach activities, helping to inspire future generations in the field of space exploration.

As Shukla continues to share his journey and experiences, the global community eagerly anticipates further insights into life aboard the ISS and the advancements of India’s space program.