Exactly one year after scripting history aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has opened the doors to his remarkable journey through a personal memoir. Titled The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts, the book was officially released in New Delhi by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in a ceremony celebrating both India's growing space ambitions and the power of perseverance.

Published by Vintage Books under Penguin Random House India, the memoir offers readers an intimate look at the life of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station during the landmark Axiom-4 mission.

A Journey That Belongs to Every Indian

More than a story of personal achievement, The Second Orbit captures the hopes of an entire nation. The launch event coincided with the first anniversary of the Axiom-4 mission, which lifted off on June 25 last year. The memoir traces Shukla's evolution from an accomplished fighter pilot to an astronaut, revealing the intense selection process, months of demanding training, mission preparation, life aboard the ISS and the emotions that accompanied one of the biggest milestones in India's space history.

Speaking during the launch, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh described the memoir as a source of inspiration for future generations, expressing confidence that it would motivate countless young Indians to dream fearlessly.

"I Wanted to Share My Experience With Everyone"

For Shukla, writing the memoir proved to be a mission of its own.

Calling it a "very different experience," he admitted he had never imagined the project would become a full-fledged book. His goal, however, remained unchanged from the very beginning—to make his experiences accessible to everyone.

"I wanted to share my experience with everyone," he said, adding that if he had not documented his journey, those memories would have remained his alone.

Recognising that he could never personally visit every school in India, Shukla viewed the memoir as a bridge connecting children across the country with the realities of space exploration. He hopes the book will educate young readers while encouraging them to believe that extraordinary dreams can become reality through determination and hard work.

A Letter to His Younger Self

One of the most touching elements of the 342-page memoir is its opening chapter—a letter written by a 14-year-old Shubhanshu Shukla to his future self.

The book also features a foreword by Wing Commander (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, creating a symbolic connection between two generations of Indian space pioneers.

Blending technical insights with personal stories, the memoir offers readers a rare glimpse into astronaut life while highlighting the values of discipline, resilience and relentless curiosity. It is expected to particularly resonate with students, defence aspirants and young science enthusiasts.

A National Hero Inspiring the Next Generation

The launch ceremony was attended by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education in the Ministry of Education, Seema Jain, Member (Finance), Department of Space, and students from several schools, with whom Shukla interacted during the event.

The astronaut, who was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on Republic Day 2026 for his contribution to India's space programme, continues to play a key role in the country's human spaceflight ambitions. As one of the astronauts selected for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, he remains at the forefront of India's next chapter in space exploration.

With The Second Orbit, Shukla has done more than narrate a journey into space. He has transformed a historic mission into a story of hope, courage and possibility.