Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Space Journey, Wears Billion-Dollar Suit

India witnessed a historic moment as Shubhanshu Shukla flew to space aboard the Dragon spacecraft under the Axiom Mission 4. Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this mission includes astronauts from India, the USA, Poland, and Hungary. Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS), making it a proud day for the country.

While this journey is a significant milestone, what caught everyone’s attention is the high-tech, ultra-expensive spacesuit that Shukla and the other astronauts are wearing. These suits are specially designed to keep astronauts safe during space missions, especially when moving outside the spacecraft or working in extreme space environments.

Spacesuit Cost: Crores Spent on One Suit for Astronaut Safety

The cost of a single NASA spacesuit is shockingly high. Depending on its design and features, the price can range from $10 million to $22 million, which converts to ₹83 crore to ₹183 crore. Some advanced suits like NASA’s latest xEMU (Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit) are even more expensive. Reports say the cost of developing and producing the xEMU suit has reached close to $1 billion (around ₹8,355 crore).

These suits are so costly because they are not just clothes. They are small, wearable spacecrafts with all systems necessary for human survival in space. They are built with extreme attention to detail, use advanced materials, and must go through hundreds of safety tests before astronauts can wear them on real missions.

Why Are Spacesuits So Expensive and Special?

The extreme conditions of space demand special protection. Astronauts face temperatures ranging from -150°C to +120°C while outside the spacecraft. Radiation, micro-meteorites, and vacuum pressure make space highly dangerous. The spacesuit helps manage all of this.

The suit includes:

• Oxygen system to help astronauts breathe.
• Temperature control helps maintain the body’s stability.
• Radiation shielding to block harmful rays.
• Carbon dioxide removal system so they don’t breathe in toxic gas.
• Water supply for hydration during long spacewalks.
• Waste management system, including an inbuilt toilet.
• Communication setup with a built-in computer for guidance and updates.

The outer layer is strong enough to protect against space debris and sharp changes in pressure. The inner systems keep astronauts alive even if something goes wrong in the spacecraft.

Suit Also Works Like Backup Life Support

The backpack attached to the suit works like an emergency life-support unit. If something fails inside the ISS or the main systems stop working, the backpack provides fresh oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. A fan inside helps push out the bad air and keeps the suit cool. This system works automatically and gives astronauts time to return to safety.

The suit also has sensors and alerts to warn astronauts of any sudden changes in temperature or oxygen levels. These features are critical for deep space missions where help is not immediately available.

A Proud Moment for India After 1984

India last saw a man in space in 1984 when Rakesh Sharma went to space aboard a Russian spacecraft. After four decades, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is a major moment for Indian space exploration. This mission opens new doors for India’s future in space, including the dream of Gaganyaan, India’s human space mission.

Shukla’s flight reminds us how much technology and planning goes behind every space journey—not just in launching rockets, but also in keeping humans alive in space using the most advanced gear.