In a moment that has stirred hearts and imaginations across the nation, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has unveiled a breathtaking timelapse video of India as seen from the International Space Station (ISS). The video, shared on social media on August 22, 2025, offers a rare and mesmerizing glimpse of the subcontinent from orbit—illuminated by lightning storms, cloaked in monsoon clouds, and bathed in the golden hues of a sunrise.
The footage, captured from the cupola window of the ISS during Shukla’s Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, traces the station’s journey from the Indian Ocean along the east coast of India, moving from south to north. It’s a visual symphony of natural elements: purple flashes of lightning, the dark silhouette of the Himalayas, and a sunrise spilling light across the Earth, all set against a backdrop of twinkling stars.
“While on orbit, I tried to capture pictures and videos so that I can share this journey with you all,” Shukla wrote in his post. “It truly is a mesmerizing dance of natural elements turning into one beautiful spectacle”.
A View from the Stars
The video is more than just a visual treat—it’s a deeply personal tribute to India. Despite the monsoon season, which left much of the country shrouded in cloud cover, Shukla said he managed to “steal a few shots of Bharat,” offering viewers a chance to feel as though they were “sitting in the cupola and witnessing it firsthand.
The astronaut’s poetic narration and technical precision have drawn widespread praise. Social media users flooded the comments with admiration, calling the video “incredible,” “emotional,” and “a proud moment for every Indian.”
A Historic Journey
Shukla’s journey to space marks a historic milestone. He became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, and the first Indian aboard the ISS. The Ax-4 mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025, and Shukla returned to Earth on July 15, splashing down off the coast of California.
Upon his return, Shukla was welcomed in Delhi on August 17, where he shared his experiences during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of the mission for India’s future in space exploration, particularly the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, scheduled for early 2027. Shukla is expected to be part of the crew alongside Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair.
“Very soon, we shall see someone travelling from our capsule, from our rocket, from our soil,” Shukla said, highlighting the significance of indigenous space capabilities.
Science Meets Sentiment
What makes Shukla’s video so compelling is its blend of scientific achievement and emotional resonance. It’s not just a technical feat—it’s a love letter to India, seen from a vantage point few will ever experience. The visuals remind us of the vastness of space, the fragility of our planet, and the beauty of our homeland.
ISRO officials and government representatives have hailed the mission as a national triumph, underscoring India’s growing stature in global space exploration. The Ax-4 mission has provided invaluable insights into human physiology in microgravity, biotechnology experiments, and orbital operations, all of which will inform future missions.
How to Watch
Shukla’s video is available on his official social media handles, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where he encourages viewers to watch in landscape mode with full brightness to truly appreciate the details.
Sources: Republic World, Indian Express, CNBC TV18, Deccan Herald, Moneycontrol
