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‘Namaskar from space': Inside Shubhanshu Shukla's Day 1 on ISS

Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). He entered the space station along with three other astronauts after a 28-hour journey orbiting the Earth. Now the 634th person to travel to space, Shukla called it a privilege to be there during the welcome ceremony. A video shared by Nasa on X showed veteran astronaut and mission commander Peggy Whitson pinning the Astronaut No. 634 badge onto Shukla's suit just before he spoke read more Shubhanshu Shukla is the 634th person to travel to space. Image: SpaceX/PTI Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). He, along with three other astronauts, stepped into the space station after a 28-hour journey around the Earth. The crew was welcomed with warm hugs and handshakes as they entered the orbital laboratory. Sharing his first message from space, Shukla described the journey to the ISS as a 'wonderful ride'. He will now spend the next 14 days carrying out scientific experiments and taking part in several outreach activities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | How space will affect Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, others A video on Nasa's X page showed veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson attaching the Astronaut No. 634 pin to Shukla's suit just before he spoke. What did Shukla do on his first day at the ISS? And what message did he send to India? Let's take a look: Shubhanshu Shukla's Day 1 at ISS Soon after arriving at the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 crew , Shukla shared his first message from orbit, calling it a 'privilege to see Earth from this vantage point'. Shukla, now the 634th person to travel to space, said during the welcome ceremony, 'I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here.' The ceremony was held on Thursday, where he and his fellow astronauts were greeted warmly by the Expedition 73 team with hugs and handshakes. Peggy Whitson, commander of the Axiom mission, presented astronaut pins to Shukla, Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, all of whom are on their first mission to space. 'With your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It looks easy to stand here, but my head feels a little heavy, facing some difficulty; but these are minor issues,' Shukla said, adding that they would adjust soon. Over the next 14 days, Shukla said he and his fellow crew members will carry out scientific experiments and connect with people back on Earth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This is also a part of India's space journey. I will keep talking to you. Let's make this journey exciting. I am carrying the tiranga, and I am carrying all of you with me. The next 14 days will be exciting,' he said. Shukla also said that he was deeply moved by the welcome from the space station crew. 'The minute I entered the International Space Station and met this crew, you just made me feel so welcome, as if you literally opened your doors, like your house doors, for us.' The #Ax4 crew—commander Peggy Whitson, @ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, @ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu—emerges from the Dragon spacecraft and gets their first look at their home in low Earth orbit. — NASA (@NASA) June 26, 2025 The view from space, he added, had gone beyond everything he had imagined. 'I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this. This is not a personal accomplishment. Family and friends have supported me,' he said. Carrying a soft toy shaped like a swan, Shukla said that it is a symbol of wisdom in Indian culture. 'I am enjoying the views and learning how to eat in this environment, like a baby learning to walk, figuring out how to move and control myself,' he shared. This message was Shukla's second from space. Live footage from the ISS showed Shukla and the other three astronauts being helped through the vestibule connecting their Crew Dragon capsule to the space station. With smiles on their face, the group was welcomed with bear hugs from the seven astronauts already aboard. The four later gathered for a photo session and were seen sipping liquids from foil packets. ALSO READ | What is India's Shubhanshu Shukla's role during Axiom-4 mission? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What will Shubhanshu Shukla eat and do at ISS? Among the personal items carried by Shukla to the International Space Station are three specially prepared Indian dishes: mango nectar, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal halwa. These traditional favourites were prepared by the Defence Institute of Bio-Defence Technologies (DIBT), a wing of ISRO. The food has been designed to withstand the challenges of space travel. 🗣 Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla talks about his experience of visiting the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 welcome ceremony 👨‍🚀 — ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 26, 2025 Dr R Kumar, who heads DIBT, told News18 that the dishes are preservative-free, commercially sterile, and can be stored for over a year at room temperature. Alongside these comforts from home, Shukla has a packed scientific schedule. He is leading several experiments aimed at advancing space sustainability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of his main tasks is to study edible microalgae and observe how microgravity and space radiation affect their nutritional value. In another experiment, Shukla is exposing six types of Indian crop seeds to the space environment to track any genetic, microbial, or nutritional changes. The findings could contribute to the future of farming in space. Before launching into space, Shukla had said, 'I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts.' From conquering the skies to touching the stars— a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of the nation beyond Earth. This is a dèjà-vu moment for India, 41… — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 25, 2025 Back in his hometown of Lucknow, joy and pride filled the air as his parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and hundreds of students watched the successful docking live from City Montessori School. The moment was met with a standing ovation and loud cheers. Family members waved the tricolour amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'India-India', and 'Hip Hip Hurray'. Notably, Shukla is the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who spent eight days in orbit in 1984. With inputs from agencies