Did ISRO Pay Shubhanshu Shukla?
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No, ISRO did not pay any salary or honorarium to Shubhanshu Shukla for participating in the Axiom-4 mission.
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He remains a commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and continued to receive his regular salary as per IAF norms.
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The spaceflight was considered a national mission, not a personal or commercial venture.
💸 ISRO’s Total Expenditure on the Mission
ISRO covered all mission-related costs, including:
| Category | Estimated Cost (₹) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Astronaut seat on SpaceX Dragon | ₹200–250 crore | Paid to Axiom Space |
| Training & Simulations | ₹150–200 crore | Includes NASA/Axiom modules |
| Scientific Equipment & Payload | ₹50–100 crore | Experiments conducted aboard ISS |
| Logistics & Ground Support | ₹50 crore | Medical, safety, transport, coordination |
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💰 Total Estimated Cost: ₹500–550 crore
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This is more than ISRO's Mars Mission (Mangalyaan), which cost around ₹450 crore.
🌍 Why Did ISRO Spend This Much?
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Preparation for Gaganyaan:
This mission serves as a test bed for India's upcoming human spaceflight program (Gaganyaan, planned for 2027). -
Global Visibility:
A milestone that places India among countries with trained astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). -
Scientific Research:
Indian-origin payloads and experiments were conducted in space, adding value to biotechnology, material science, and space medicine.
🧾 Conclusion
| Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Payment to Shukla | ₹0 (received only regular IAF salary) |
| ISRO Expenditure | ₹500–550 crore |
| Purpose | Capacity-building, international collaboration, preparation for Gaganyaan |