From Studio to Space Station: The Story of India’s Space Patch
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach and return from the International Space Station aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking a historic milestone for India — the country’s first visit to the ISS in 41 years.
Proudly displayed on his uniform was an embroidered patch, digitized using Wilcom software— a proud milestone for Wilcom in Space.
This patch, brought to life using Wilcom’s EmbroideryStudio software by Mr. Chandra Shekhar of Pulse Embroidery, a design and digitizing studio based in Bangalore, India. It had to be lightweight (no more than 14 grams), durable enough for space, and symbolically rich in meaning.
Mr. Chandra Shekhar has been associated with IIGM for over 20 years, especially in the field of Wilcom digitizing solutions. This successful space patch project reflects not only his mastery of the craft but also IIGM’s commitment to enabling world-class innovations in India’s apparel and embroidery industries.
The India Patch: A New Milestone
The brief: Create a highly detailed badge symbolizing India’s scientific achievements, and keep it under 14 grams.
Consulted by i_imazine, a design agency collaborating with IISc on the Ax-4 mission.
“The real game changer in this project was Wilcom EmbroideryStudio. It made this intricate design easy to complete — just an hour and 15 minutes to digitize,” says Chandra Shekhar V.
Wilcom’s Legacy in Space Embroidery
Did you know Wilcom has a rich history of supporting space missions?
Wilcom’s advanced digitizing software has long been trusted by A-B Emblem, NASA’s historic supplier of mission patches dating back to Apollo 11.
The Power of Wilcom in Precision Digitizing
With a complete understanding of Wilcom EmbroideryStudio, Mr. Chandra Shekhar carefully chose and fine-tuned stitch types and settings to maintain visual impact while minimizing weight.
Here’s how Wilcom’s tools made it possible:
• Tatami with Offset Pattern – Used for the background fill, this mirrored the texture of the original artwork while reducing stitch density
• Contour Stitches on Orbital Lines – Created a clean, linear effect representing Earth’s orbital paths
• Florentine Effect – Added movement and depth to curved stitches, echoing the shape of a space station
• Motif Fill – Formed the Earth with minimal stitches, maximizing visual clarity and impact
• Smart Stitch Combinations for the Details – From satin to tatami to run stitches, each was carefully selected to illustrate the moon phases, scientific symbols, and the sun
Wilcom’s true strength lies in its pinpoint control of embroidery values, enabling the team to fine-tune density, pull compensation, and stitch direction to meet the patch’s strict weight criteria.
“Wilcom EmbroideryStudio gives you absolute control of stitch values with pinpoint accuracy, and the best tools to achieve the desired result,” adds Mr. Chandra Shekhar.
A Global Triumph — with an Indian Signature
We are reminded of how embroidery — powered by advanced digitizing software — continues to break new ground, quite literally reaching for the stars – and getting there
Powered by IIGM: India’s Technology Partner in Precision
This space-bound embroidery feat was also made possible through the long-standing partnership between Mr. Chandra Shekhar and IIGM, one of India’s leading names in industrial textile technology.
IIGM is a premier technology partner and service provider in India, representing world-renowned brands in manufacturing technologies. Their solutions span automated cutting, industrial sewing and finishing, garment treatment, ERP systems, and automation for apparel, home fashion, composites, technical textiles, and electrical sectors. Celebrating 30 years of association with Wilcom in India, IIGM continues to pioneer advanced embroidery and digitizing solutions, empowering businesses with world-class technology and support.
