Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the second Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984. The launch was initially scheduled for earlier in June but faced multiple delays due to weather and technical issues, including a fuel leak in the Falcon 9 rocket and a leak in the Russian Zvezda module of the ISS. The launch window was finalized after discussions between NASA and Roscosmos, ensuring the safe repair and readiness of the ISS. The Axiom-4 mission is a historic event for India, Poland, and Hungary, as it’s the first time these nations are sending government-backed astronauts on a long-duration mission to the ISS. The launch took place at 12:01 AM IST, and within hours, Shukla shared his first message from space — filled with emotion, patriotism, and a call to national pride.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s First Message from Space-
He began with a heartfelt greeting:
“Namaskar, my dear fellow countrymen… After 41 years, we have returned to space, and what an amazing ride it was…”
He shared that he is now orbiting the Earth at a speed of approximately 7.5 kilometers per second.
Displaying the Indian tricolor on his spacesuit, he proudly stated:
“I have the Tricolor on my shoulder… It reminds me that I am not alone, I am with all of you.”
He emphasized that this journey is not just about reaching the International Space Station (ISS), but marks the beginning of India’s human spaceflight journey. He urged that common citizens should also be a part of this journey.
He concluded with a patriotic note:
“Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
Key Highlights:
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This is part of the Axiom-4 Mission, where Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to reach the ISS after Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984 — 41 years ago.
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The mission launched aboard SpaceX Falcon-9 at 12:01 IST, and Shukla’s first words post-liftoff were:
“Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” -
Prime Minister Modi called it India’s return to space, saying this moment carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians.
In this historic moment, Shubhanshu Shukla captured the pride and dreams of the nation in his very first words from orbit — with the Tricolor on his shoulder, he symbolizes a journey of unity and inspiration for all Indians.
