Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 launches, taking India into space 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's mission

ISRO spaceman Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 missionary post launched into blank on midweek, June 25. “Kamaal ki sit thi…,” said Shukla, who has been nick-named ‘Shux’, as he soared into the skies on his way to the International Space Station.

Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission is set to arrive at the International Space Station on Thursday, June 26. Tap here to check full timeline of Axiom-4 mission's journey here

This will be the first time an Indian astronaut will conduct research on the International Space Station. For India, Poland and Hungary, the Axiom-4 mission launch marked a return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years.

India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, had joined a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Shukla said he’s been a mentor “at every step of this journey” and is flying a surprise gift for him.

Axiom -4 also lays the groundwork for India's Ganganyaan mission and itthe country's space roadmap to land an Indian on the Moon by 2040.

Minutes after the historic launch, SpaceX Falcon 9’s first stage booster safely landed at Landing Zone 1. Later, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft separated from Falcon 9’s second stage.

While riding on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shubhanshu Shukla's first message from space started with a "namaskar".

Shukla said, “Namaskar, mere pyaare deshwasiyo...41 saal baad waapas hum antriksh mein pahoch gaye hain aur kamaal ki ride thi...Is samay, hum 7.5 km per second ki raftaar se prithvi ke chaaron taraf ghoom rahe hain...aur mere kandhe par mere saath mera tiranga hai jo mujhe bata raha hai k main aap sabke saath hun. Ye Bharat ki human space program ki shuruaat hai aur main chahta hun ki aap sabhi deshwasi is yatra ka hissa banein."

This message in Hindi translates into: “Greetings, my dear countrymen. We have reached space and what a fun ride it was!We have reached the space again after 41 years. At this time, we are cruising around Earth at a speed of 7.5 km per second...I have my tricolor with me on my shoulder which is telling me that I am with all of you. This is the beginning of India's human space program and I want all of you countrymen to be a part of this journey.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. "He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians," PM Modi said.

President Droupadi Murmu said Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla created a new milestone in space for India. She wrote in a post on X that the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian’s journey into the stars.

“He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 from the US, Poland and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’," the President wrote.

"My best wishes for the success of this mission, which reflects the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO. The wide ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration," Murmu said.

Union minister Jitendra Singh congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, saying, "..you are the first Indian Astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station 🇮🇳." He also lauded the "reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi", who he said, "have placed India as a frontline nation in Space exploration."

Union minister Piyush Goyal hailed the "historic moment" and wished "Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla great success on his mission to the International Space Station 🚀". He said, “140 crore dreams soar with you into space! Best wishes to you and your crew members.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla, saying, "And liftoff! As the Axiom 4 mission begins its journey, carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, the first ISRO astronaut headed to the International Space Station, the dreams of a billion Indians lift off alongside him. Wishing the crew a safe voyage and a successful docking at the ISS!"

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