In a moment that marks a proud milestone for India’s space ambitions, Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his scientific mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) . As part of the Axiom-4 mission , Shukla is set to engage in cutting-edge research over the next two weeks, representing not only his country but also the dreams of millions back home.
After successfully docking with the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft — named Grace — Shukla joined fellow astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary) , and veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson , who serves as mission commander.
Speaking from orbit during a live broadcast, Shukla expressed both awe and excitement:
“I’m feeling a bit lightheaded,” he admitted with a smile. “But that’s just a small adjustment compared to the thrill of being here. It’s a proud and exciting moment — a big leap in our space journey.”
Wearing the Indian tricolour proudly on his shoulder, Shukla emphasized the honor of representing his nation in space. His remarks were heartfelt, especially when he said, “I carry the tricolour on my shoulders with pride.”
First Time Together: Astronauts Celebrate Arrival with Joy
This was the first time the full crew appeared together since docking at the ISS. Footage from the station showed the newcomers sipping drinks, laughing, and getting acclimated to their new zero-gravity environment. The warm welcome ceremony included a symbolic gesture as Dr. Peggy Whitson presented each of the three rookie astronauts — including Shukla — with official astronaut pins.
With this mission, Shukla becomes India’s latest spacefarer and the 634th human to travel to space , joining an elite global league of explorers.
Proud Family Watches From Home, Meets Uttar Pradesh CM
Back in Lucknow, Shukla’s family and friends gathered at his alma mater to witness the historic docking live. Emotional scenes unfolded as his mother, Asha Shukla , wiped away tears of joy.
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla , shared their deep sense of pride with the media:
“We are extremely proud of him. We’ve been praying for his success. This is a proud day for our family and for India.”
The family later met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , who congratulated them on behalf of the state and nation.
Mission Highlights: What Lies Ahead for Shukla and Crew
Over the next 14 days , Shukla and his team will conduct a series of scientific experiments covering areas like human physiology, material science, and Earth observation. These missions are critical for future long-duration spaceflights and could have applications back on Earth.
As part of the Axiom-4 mission , the crew is using SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft , which is now in its final active configuration after being named Grace upon reaching orbit.
A New Chapter for India in Space Exploration
Group Captain Shukla’s presence on the ISS is more than personal achievement — it’s a significant step forward for India’s participation in international space missions . With ISRO’s ambitious plans like Aditya-L1, Chandrayaan-3 , and Gaganyaan underway, Shukla’s mission adds another feather to India’s growing space cap.
“It looks easy to stand here, but I’m a bit lightheaded — a minor issue,” Shukla joked during the welcome ceremony. “We’ll get used to it. This is just the beginning of a bigger journey.”
Indeed, with pioneers like Shubhanshu Shukla leading the way, India’s journey into the stars has truly begun.
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