Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian astronaut to join the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised this milestone, highlighting its significance not only for India but for global space research.
In a recent chat with News18, Jitendra Singh expressed his excitement about seeing India’s flag represent the nation in space. He believes this mission signifies India’s rise as a developed country, echoing the vision of space pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai. Singh stated that recent space reforms and Prime Minister Modi’s support have boosted India’s capabilities and confidence on the global stage.
Shukla’s journey is particularly important as it builds on India’s future goals, including the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, planned for human spaceflight. Singh noted that the experiences gained during Axiom-4, such as docking procedures, will be invaluable for future projects.
The astronaut will conduct a series of experiments in microgravity, focusing on human health and the potential for growing food in space. These experiments aim to understand how weightlessness affects human physiology and could provide insights into sustaining life beyond Earth.
Shubhanshu spoke to his fellow citizens shortly after takeoff. “Namaskar, my dear countrymen! We are finally in space after 41 years. The tricolor is with me,” he shared from the Dragon spacecraft during the mission.
The launch took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant comeback for India’s space exploration after decades. This return to spaceflight reflects not just technological advancements but a renewed commitment to exploring the final frontier.
As countries increasingly invest in space exploration, India’s achievements serve as a reminder of the rapid progress made in a relatively short time. Only a few decades ago, space initiatives were limited, but now India stands strong among nations with ambitious plans for the future.
For more on the implications of this mission, check out the insights from the Indian Space Research Organisation [ISRO](https://www.isro.gov.in).
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