Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the pioneering Indian astronaut who journeyed to the International Space Station, recently embarked on an inspirational two-day visit to the campuses of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The visit, which took place on November 10 and 11, 2025, was marked by deep engagement with students and faculty, focusing on the powerful synergy between design and India's ambitious space program.
From ISS to NID: Sharing a Cosmic Journey
During his interactive sessions, Shukla offered students a captivating glimpse into his extraordinary experiences. He shared detailed accounts of his spaceflight, the rigorous preparations for his mission, and unique insights from his time aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A highlight of his presentation was the revelation that he had carried several objects and artefacts designed by NID students during his historic mission.
These student creations, as confirmed by an NID release, have been transformed into symbolic space souvenirs. They now stand as a testament to the creative contributions of Indian design to the nation's space journey. Shukla shared that these designs were met with widespread appreciation at both national and international levels, powerfully underscoring the indispensable role of design in the cosmos.
Forging a Collaborative Future for Space and Design
A significant part of the visit involved reviewing and discussing ongoing collaborative projects between NID and ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC). Shukla actively toured the campus facilities, visiting various departments and engaging with faculty and students. He expressed genuine admiration for the diverse range of design projects at NID and acknowledged the institute's strong commitment to fostering innovation.
NID Director Ashok Mondal used the opportunity to reaffirm the institute's dedication to collaborating with ISRO and other national institutions. The goal is to advance design-led innovation for nation-building, a vision that aligns perfectly with the country's space ambitions.
Inspiring the Next Generation for Gaganyaan and Beyond
Looking toward the future, Shukla spoke extensively about the strategic importance of India's space programme, including the ongoing Gaganyaan mission. He illuminated the vast opportunities for NID students to contribute their design expertise to ISRO projects, thereby supporting India's advancements in space technology and exploration.
Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO's long-term objectives, he outlined India's ambitious plans to establish its own space station and conduct a manned lunar mission by 2040. He underscored the indispensable role of design in enhancing human experience and functionality in space missions, encouraging students to pioneer design-led solutions for the unique challenges of space exploration.
His interactions, described as highly engaging, inspiring, and intellectually enriching, successfully bridged the gap between scientific ambition and creative design, planting the seeds for India's next giant leap in space.
