Out of This World: How Israeli Astronaut Eytan Stibbe Is Inspiring Indian Kids to Reach for the Stars

In a compelling example of science diplomacy and cross-border collaboration, Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe is working with Indian schools to inspire young minds to pursue space exploration. At the heart of this initiative is City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, where students are being encouraged to dream beyond Earth — literally.

A Cosmic Connection Across Continents

Stibbe, a former Israeli Air Force pilot and the second Israeli to travel to space, flew aboard the historic Axiom-1 mission in 2022 — the world’s first private mission to the International Space Station. Since returning, he has dedicated himself to educational outreach, sharing his journey and insights with students worldwide.

His latest mission is one of mentorship and motivation. Collaborating closely with CMS and other Indian educators, Stibbe is bringing stories from space directly to classrooms in India, helping students understand the science, preparation, and human experience behind spaceflight.

From Orbit to the Classroom

In both virtual and physical sessions, Stibbe describes life aboard a space station — from conducting scientific experiments in microgravity to the emotional challenges of being far from home. His sessions are interactive, often featuring Q&A segments where Indian students ask about everything from astronaut training to favorite meals in space.

A notable highlight is his connection to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an ISRO astronaut-in-training and alumnus of CMS Lucknow, who is expected to be part of a future Axiom-4 mission. The shared legacy of exploration and education adds a deeply personal dimension to the Indo-Israeli space connection.

India and Israel: A Growing Space Bond

The collaboration reflects a broader trend of India-Israel ties in space and education. Indian space missions have launched Israeli-built student satellites in the past, and both countries continue to explore joint opportunities in satellite technology, astronomy, and science learning.

Stibbe’s initiative aligns well with India’s rising space ambitions, especially as ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission prepares for its first crewed flight. By giving Indian students direct access to astronaut experiences, the program fosters interest in STEM education and encourages the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Through his ongoing interaction with Indian schools, Eytan Stibbe is not just sharing knowledge — he’s shaping futures. His outreach has already inspired thousands of students, helping them see that the journey from a classroom in Lucknow to a spacecraft orbiting Earth is no longer a distant dream.

As Stibbe says in his sessions, “Curiosity is the fuel of the future — and education is the launchpad.”

A Vision Beyond Borders

What began as a conversation between astronauts has become a movement: a bridge between Israel and India built on shared values, mutual respect, and a passion for discovery.

Through this initiative, students in India are not only learning about the stars — they are being empowered to reach for them.