June 26, 2025 — Cape Canaveral / Lucknow: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s pioneering astronaut aboard Axiom Mission 4, marked a historic moment today by greeting the nation from space. Speaking from within the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule en route to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla opened with a warm “Namaskar, my dear countrymen!”—a phrase that resonated across 1.4 billion hearts.
Shukla described the liftoff as “an amazing ride” and emphasised that his voyage represents a “small but solid step towards India’s human space programme.” He reflected humbly: “Learning like a baby… how to walk and eat in space.”
Liftoff & Docking Timeline 🛰️
- The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon “Grace” mission ignited from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at 12:01 PM IST on June 25
- Docking with the ISS is expected at approximately 4:30 PM IST on June 26
A Mission of Firsts and Futures
- Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS and just the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 mission ([fr.wikipedia.org][4]).
- He will serve as pilot aboard the four-member crew, alongside commander Peggy Whitson (USA), mission specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) ([reuters.com][5]).
- The roughly 14-day mission includes ~60 science experiments, covering microgravity studies (including diabetes monitoring), Earth observations, biological and material science research, and technology testing
Symbolism & Outreach
Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying special postcards designed by IISc, celebrating India’s scientific legacy, as well as mementoes honoring Rakesh Sharma . He also pledged interactive sessions with schoolchildren from the ISS, fostering inspiration and STEM enthusiasm among Indian youth .
National Enthusiasm & Pride
India’s Union Cabinet issued a formal resolution, stating Shukla carried “the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed heartfelt congratulations, marking this mission as a milestone in India’s space journey.
Path to Gaganyaan & Beyond
Shubhanshu Shukla is also one of the four astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan mission, planned for launch in 2027—an indigenous crewed flight initiative by ISRO. His ISS experience aboard Ax‑4 is expected to inform preparations for India’s own human spaceflight capability.
✅ Boosting Make-in-India Capabilities
The mission aligns with “Make in India” ambition—linking to advanced space technologies, domestically driven innovation, and commercial rocketry.
📝 Shukla’s Words Reflect a Collective Triumph
His reflections echo something deeper:
“It is not a personal accomplishment. It is a collective achievement. Thank you to everyone who’d been part of the journey.” newsable.asianetnews.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1
From weightlessness to national pride, Shukla’s mission is both personal and patriotic—a milestone in India’s ongoing journey into space.
🚨 Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
Following the Ax-4 mission, India’s eyes are set on:
- Gaganyaan (2027): India’s first homegrown astronaut mission
- Expansion into international lunar or Martian exploration
- Greater engagement with global private space partnerships
If Ax-4 achieves its objectives, expect more Indians in orbit—potentially a permanent Indian presence on the ISS or future commercial stations.
🏅 A Symbol of Unity
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is a symbol of collective advancement. From heart-swelling public messages to ground-level school celebrations, Namaskar from space has become an emotional emblem—uniting communities, generations, and intentions.
✅ Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Astronaut | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (IAF pilot) |
| Mission | Axiom-4 / SpaceX Crew Dragon, launched June 25, docked June 26 |
| Historic Firsts | First Indian on ISS; second Indian in space after 41 years |
| Key Messages | “Namaskar from space”, gratitude, collective achievement |
| National Response | PM Modi interaction, UP CM Yogi praises, hometown celebrations |
| Experiments | Microgravity, nutrition, algae growth, Earth observation, physiology |
| Strategic Significance | Gaganyaan groundwork, India’s space reignition, private-public model |
Why It Matters
- International collaboration: Ax‑4 is a publicly backed private mission, showcasing the growing role of companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX in enabling global human spaceflight .
- Scientific advancements: Experiments on microgravity, Earth science, and biomedical monitoring (like diabetes devices) could provide insights for both Earth and future space habitation .
- Inspiring a new generation: Live interactions with students and the symbolic “Namaskar” from space aim to ignite curiosity and pride among Indian youth, reinforcing India’s next steps in space exploration.
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla charts a course through Earth’s orbit, his words and actions ripple far beyond the capsule—signalling a new chapter in India’s cosmic aspirations.
🌐 The Axiom-4 Crew: A Multi-National Endeavor
Shubhanshu Shukla is joined by:
- Peggy Whitson, former NASA commander and a veteran astronaut
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland
- Tibor Kapu from Hungary
Their mission not only represents India’s resurgence in human spaceflight but also underscores how commercial and international cooperation is shaping the new space age
🎯Final Thoughts
Shubhanshu Shukla’s milestone mission isn’t just a headline—it reinscribes India’s confidence in human spaceflight, commitment to scientific outreach, and global engagement. The simple greeting “Namaskar from space” resonates far beyond words—it marks the dawn of a renewed national journey, taking India from Earth to Cosmos.
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