Shubhanshu Shukla scripts history as his Axiom-4 docks at International Space Station

India Today

5 hours ago

Twenty-eight hours after launching from Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history, becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) as the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission successfully docked with the orbiting laboratory on Thursday.The milestone marks a triumphant return for India to human spaceflight, coming 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's pioneering mission in 1984. advertisementThe Ax-4 crew, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre, completed a 28-hour journey before executing a flawless docking manoeuvre at the ISS's Harmony module.
Shukla, serving as mission pilot, was joined by mission commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, and mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.Notably, this mission also marks the first time astronauts from Poland and Hungary have reached the ISS.Flying at an altitude of 418 kilometres above Earth and travelling at over 17,000 kilometres per hour, the crew prepared for the historic moment by conducting medical checks and acclimatising to microgravity.In an emotional message sent from orbit ahead of docking, Shukla greeted Indians with 'Namaskar from space,' expressing pride in carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians on his shoulders.advertisement"Floating in the vacuum, it's indescribable. An amazing, humbling feeling. I want to thank everyone who made this possible. This isn't just my achievement - it's a collective one, shared by so many people back home," he said.Sharing his experience of maiden spaceflight, Shukla added, "Apparently, I've been sleeping a lot up here! I'm still getting used to zero gravity - like a baby learning how to walk, figuring out how to move and control myself. But I'm really enjoying every moment. It's okay to make mistakes - in fact, it's even more fun watching someone else make them too! It's been a fun, surreal time so far, and I'm sure there's much more ahead. Looking forward to what comes next!"The Ax-4 team will spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, collaborating with the Expedition 73 crew and conducting more than 60 scientific experiments and educational outreach activities - the most ambitious research agenda of any Axiom mission to date.Their work will include projects in cancer research, DNA repair and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration.Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier congratulated Shukla and the Ax-4 crew, highlighting the mission as a symbol of India's rising stature in global space endeavours.As Shukla settles into life aboard the ISS, his achievement stands as a beacon for future generations and a testament to international cooperation in the pursuit of scientific discovery.- EndsTune InMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Shubhanshu Shukla