Historic Milestone: Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla Makes History as the First Indian Astronaut Bound for the ISS – Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian to reach space in over 40 years. He flew on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25. Shukla piloted the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, renewing India’s legacy in human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984.

The mission launched at 12:01 PM IST and is expected to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) shortly after. Shukla joins a diverse crew, including Peggy Whitson from NASA, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Each participant represents a long-awaited return to space exploration for their respective countries.

Shukla, a 39-year-old seasoned fighter pilot from Lucknow, expressed his hope to inspire young minds back home. He stated, “These moments show that you are part of something larger. I want to spark curiosity in children. If one life changes because of this, I will consider it a success.”

Upon reaching orbit, Shukla addressed the people of India: “We are back in space after 41 years! This journey is not just mine; it’s for India’s Human Space Programme.” His words echoed a sense of national pride, a theme reinforced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who celebrated Shukla’s achievement on social media.

Shukla’s training and flight seat cost India around 5 billion rupees (about AUD 90 million), funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission is another step toward India’s ambitious plans to establish its own space station by 2035 and send astronauts to the Moon by 2040. Shukla was recently shortlisted for India’s first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission, expected in 2027.

The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days on the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments, including several led by ISRO. Notable studies include the growth of microalgae in space, the viability of crop seeds, and muscle loss research. They will also study tardigrades, tiny organisms known for their resilience in extreme conditions.

Users on social media reacted enthusiastically, sharing their pride and excitement. The mission is inspiring conversations about India’s future in space exploration. A video interaction with students and even a chat with Prime Minister Modi are being arranged to further engage the younger generation.

The Ax-4 mission highlights the role of international collaboration in space. Hungary and Poland, whose astronauts last flew in the 1980s, now join this milestone. Hungarian Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed national pride, stating, “Poland has reached for the stars.”

With these efforts, India is not only regaining its footing in spaceflight but also setting the stage for future explorations that could reshape humanity’s frontier in space.

For more information about space missions and advancements, check out the [Indian Space Research Organisation](https://www.isro.gov.in) and [Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com).

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