Between Rakesh Sharma and Shubhanshu Shukla — India's leap in space exploration
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma flew as part of a Soviet mission. In 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard a SpaceX capsule. The two missions reveal how India evolved from a dependent spacefaring nation to one preparing its own human spaceflight programme
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India.com
4 hours ago
- India.com
From Lucknow To Stars: 5 Lesser-Known Facts About Shubhanshu Shukla – 1st Indian On International Space Station
photoDetails english 2923252 Axiom Space's Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday in a journey that lasted approximately 28 hours. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station Harmony module at 6:21 am ET while soaring over the expansive North Atlantic, according to ANI, Axiom stated in a statement. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Space's mission, marking a historic moment for India's space collaboration with NASA. Updated:Jun 27, 2025, 06:42 PM IST His NDA Secret 1 / 7 According to a report by News18, Shubhanshu Shukla applied secretly to the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the young age of 16. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Shubhanshu Shukla's School 2 / 7 According to several media reports, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla did his schooling at City Montessori School. The family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla arrived at his school in Lucknow on June 26 to watch the successful docking of Axiom 4 Mission to the ISS. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) What Did He Take With Him? 3 / 7 Reports have also stated that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying gajar halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice with him. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Shubhanshu Shukla's Wife 4 / 7 According to a Times of India report, Shubhanshu Shukla and his wife, Kamna, met during their school years in Lucknow. Reportedly, she is a dentist by profession. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Second Indian In Space 5 / 7 After Rakesh Sharma went to space in 1984, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Record As 1st Indian at ISS 6 / 7 Axiom-4 mission Pilot and Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, is the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo Credit: @Space_Station/ X) Message From Space 7 / 7 As per ANI, in a message to Indians (in Hindi), Shubhanshu Shukla said, "I have a small message for my countrymen: It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it is not; my head is aching. However, we will get used to it. We will be here for 14 days, conducting scientific experiments and speaking with you. This is a milestone for India. Let's make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest." "The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me. I believe the next 14 days are going to be truly interesting," he added. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X)
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
Chiranjeevi, Kamal congratulates Shubhanshu Shukla as he docks at ISS
India marked a monumental moment in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Space's Mission-4, becoming the first Indian to reach the orbiting laboratory in 41 years. The milestone triggered a wave of celebration across the nation, with Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi and Tamil actor-politician Kamal Haasan among the many who congratulated Shukla. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chiranjeevi wrote, 'Proud, proud moment for all Indians. Heartiest congratulations to our space hero Grp. Cpt. @IndiaInSky #Shux for becoming only the second Indian astronaut to carry out this space mission! You have made history!' Kamal Haasan echoed similar sentiments, stating, 'So proud today, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla journeys to the International Space Station, joining the immortal Rakesh Sharma in the stars. I look forward to the day our tricolour rises to the skies on an Indian rocket.' Shukla, a native of Lucknow, has now joined the elite ranks of Indian astronauts, following Rakesh Sharma's iconic spaceflight in 1984. The Ax-4 mission, aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft named Grace, docked successfully at the Harmony module of the ISS at 6:30 a.m. ET (4:00 p.m. IST) on Thursday. Alongside Shukla, the mission includes Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). SpaceX confirmed the achievement with a post on X: 'Docking confirmed!' The mission marks a proud new chapter in India's space journey.
New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Privileged to see earth from this vantage point: Shubhanshu Shukla's first speech from ISS after his 'wonderful journey'
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla made history on Thursday evening as the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 4.01 pm IST, over the North Atlantic. With this, Shukla became the first Indian to board the ISS and the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's landmark mission in 1984. As the hatch opened, Shukla and his three fellow astronauts were warmly welcomed by the ISS crew with hugs, laughter, and a traditional space drink. Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, a veteran on her fifth spaceflight, pinned Shukla as astronaut number 634, officially marking his induction into the global astronaut community. In his first address from the space station, Shukla highlighted the "wonderful ride" and how "it is a privilege to be among the few who get to see Earth from this vantage point". "My expectations were surpassed by the view and the hospitality of the crew already onboard.' Expressing excitement for the journey ahead, he added, 'I am very confident the next 14 days are going to be amazing, working together to advance science and research. Thank you so much.' Before Shukla spoke, Whitson reflected on the unique experience of leading a crew of rookies. She said the best part of commanding such a mission is watching first-time astronauts go through the process. 'It helps you remember some of the things you went through the first time,' she said, adding that it is especially rewarding to relive the experience through them. Shukla later shared a heartfelt message in Hindi, dedicating the moment to Indians back home.
