In a moment that rekindled memories of Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering voyage in 1984, India today marked its return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully launched aboard Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission, Axiom-4, bound for the International Space Station (ISS).
Blasting off aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from U.S. soil, Shukla — affectionately known as “Shux” — made history as the first Indian to journey to the ISS. His mission not only symbolizes India’s re-entry into human space exploration but also paves the way for future milestones, including ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission and a proposed lunar landing by 2040.
Moments after the launch, Shukla’s first message from the Dragon spacecraft echoed with patriotic fervor: “Namaskar, mere pyaare deshwasiyo… 41 saal baad waapas hum antriksh mein pahoch gaye hain… mere kandhe par mere saath mera tiranga hai jo mujhe bata raha hai ke main aap sabke saath hun.” Translated, he greeted fellow Indians, highlighting the historic moment and noting that he was orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second with the national flag by his side.
The mission also carries symbolic weight, with Shukla revealing he is flying a surprise memento for Rakesh Sharma, who has been his mentor throughout the journey. For India, Poland, and Hungary — all participating in this international flight — Axiom-4 marks a return to space after decades.
The launch was met with widespread celebration across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a proud moment, stating that Shukla “carries the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.” President Droupadi Murmu echoed the sentiment, calling the mission a new milestone and lauding the international collaboration as a true reflection of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
Union ministers and state leaders also joined in the congratulations, underscoring the mission’s significance not just for India’s space ambitions but also as a symbol of national unity and technological advancement. Minister Jitendra Singh credited recent space reforms for India’s rising global stature in space exploration, while Piyush Goyal declared, “140 crore dreams soar with you into space!”
As Axiom-4 prepares to dock with the ISS on June 26, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey marks not just a leap into orbit, but a giant step for India’s future in human spaceflight, reasserting its place among the stars.
