Historic AX-4ISS Mission piloted by Indian Astro takes off for 14-day docking at ISS
Chennai, June 25 (UNI) Carrying the hopes and dreams of billions, the Axiom-4 Mission piloted by
decorated Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other crew
members to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day experiment, lifts off from Kennedy Space Centre Florida at 12.01 pm IST (02.31 EDT) today onboard the Space Dragon Aircraft.
After about a 28 hour flight duration, the four crew from India, US, Hungary and Poland, will
dock at ISS at 7.00 am tomorrow.
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Indian Express
34 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Carrying aspirations of 1.4 billion': President to PM, leaders laud Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission
As Shubhanshu Shukla scripts history with his mission to space onboard Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX, celebrations have erupted in different parts of the country, especially in Lucknow – Shukla's hometown – and New Delhi. While Shukla is on his 28-hour journey to the International Space Station along with two other astronauts – Sławosz Uznański from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, leaders across party lines are cheering for him. From President Droupadi Murmu to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prominent leaders have lauded him and expressed pride over his feat on social media platforms. President Murmu said the whole nation is excited and proud of Shukla's space expedition and noted that the wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration. The President wrote in a post on X, 'As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian's journey into the stars. He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 from the US, Poland, and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family – 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. My best wishes for the success of this mission, which reflects the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO. The wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration.' Wishing Shukla success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. PM Modi's X post reads: 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!' The Union Cabinet passed a resolution on Shukla's space mission, and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw read it out: '…We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The cabinet wishes him and other astronauts all the success…' Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also congratulated Shukla. Kambhampati said, 'Congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on becoming India's second astronaut in space after 41 years…His journey aboard Axiom Mission 4 embodies the spirit of New India — bold, ambitious, and visionary. A proud moment for our nation!' Majhi said, 'Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on being part of the prestigious Axiom-4 space mission. His participation marks a proud milestone for the nation and reflects the excellence, discipline, and commitment of the Indian Air Force. As India strengthens its presence in global space exploration, this achievement will inspire countless young minds across the country. Wishing him and the entire mission team a safe and successful journey.' K Annamalai, Tamil Nadu BJP president, posted, ''This is the start of India's human space program. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat' – these stirring words were from space from Indian astronaut Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts flying on SpaceX's Dragon for Axiom Space's fourth mission to the International Space Station. Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched a moment of pride into the Indian consciousness.' 'Touch the sky with glory': Opposition leaders wish Shukla The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wished Shukla a safe and successful return, writing on X: 'A proud moment for every Indian as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launches off on his journey to the International Space Station. Forty-one years after Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, Shukla now carries forward that legacy, inspiring every Indian. Wishing him and the team a safe and successful return.' Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged Shukla to 'touch the sky with glory' and said: 'We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. After Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma in 1984, our astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is now en route to becoming the second Indian to travel to space, after 41 years. We pray for his successful mission. The entire nation is proud of this achievement.' Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor wrote on X: 'Proud to see an Indian back in space after 41 years! Congratulations to Grp Cpt Shubhanshu Shukla @IndiainSky on his way to becoming the first Indian at the International Space Station. Wishing him and his fellow astronauts aboard Axiom-4 (from Hungary, Poland, and the US) all success and a safe return home. Not even the sky's the limit!'
India.com
37 minutes ago
- India.com
Shubhanshu Shukla's Journey A Testament To India's Growing Space Prowess: Union Ministers On Axiom-4 Mission
Hailing the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, several Union Ministers on Wednesday termed the moment historic. Notably, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Shukla is representing ISRO and the Indian Air Force. He is serving as the mission's pilot. He is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma's landmark journey in 1984. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari termed the moment a proud leap for India as Shukla heads to the ISS on Axiom Mission-4. 'As the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, his journey is a testament to India's growing prowess in space exploration, empowered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary reforms. Wishing him success on this historic mission. Jai Hind,' the minister posted on X. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh termed Axiom Mission-4's successful launch a proud moment for India and highlighted ISRO's growing global collaborations. 'Congratulations Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, you are the first Indian astronaut set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO's growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India as a frontline nation in space exploration,' Singh said in a post on X. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia termed Shubhanshu Shukla's journey historic as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station on a commercial space mission. 'Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on a historic journey by becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station on a commercial space mission. Group Captain Shukla, as you rise beyond Earth, 140 crore hearts rise with you. Wishing the crew a safe and successful voyage,' said Scindia. In his message on the way to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla said, "Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second.' 'The Tiranga (Tricolour) embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride... Together, let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat,' the Lucknow-born astronaut emphasised. Axiom Space Mission 4 is a joint mission led by NASA, Axiom Space, SpaceX, ISRO, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Axiom-4 launch successful: Yuvraj Singh reacts to Shubhanshu Shukla's historic milestone - 'This is a moment we'll ...'
Yuvraj Singh and Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos) The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has ignited a wave of pride across India, with former cricketer Yuvraj Singh capturing the national sentiment in a heartfelt message. 'As Group Captain Shukla lifted off into space, he carried with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we'll remember for generations,' he wrote. The Axiom-4 mission marks a monumental return to human spaceflight for India, coming 41 years after Rakesh Sharma 's iconic voyage. Blasting off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations, noting that Shukla carries the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!' He posted on X. The astronauts are set to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting over 60 scientific experiments. From his spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation with emotion: 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.' Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly wore the Indian tricolour on his suit, symbolising the collective spirit of the nation. He expressed hope that his mission would spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indians to explore space. India Outplayed at Headingley | England Go 1-0 Up in the Series | IND vs ENG 1st Test 'This isn't just my journey -- it's India's journey into the future of human spaceflight,' he said. With his words echoing across the nation, Shukla's mission has already begun to redefine India's place in space exploration. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
