India Returns to Space: Axiom-4 Mission Launches with Indian Astronaut Aboard, Sparks National Pride

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has sparked national pride in India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh voiced the country's excitement in a passionate statement.

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla ascended into space, he carried the hopes of our nation, embodying the strength of every Indian who dares to dream ambitiously. This is a historic moment that will resonate for generations."

The Axiom-4 mission signifies India's significant return to manned space missions, marking 41 years since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering space voyage.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, alongside astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing that Shukla embodies the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He posted on X, "We celebrate 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 becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. We extend our best wishes to him and the other astronauts!"

The astronauts are scheduled to spend two weeks aboard the International Space Station, carrying out over 60 scientific experiments.

Speaking from the spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation, expressing his emotion: “Namaskar, my dear countrymen. After 41 years, we have reached space. It was an incredible experience.”

Orbiting Earth at 7.5 kilometers per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian flag on his spacesuit, representing the collective spirit of the nation. He voiced his hope that the mission would inspire curiosity and motivate a new generation of Indians to explore space.

Shukla further commented, “This isn’t just my journey; it’s India’s journey into the future of human spaceflight.”

With his message resonating nationwide, Shukla’s mission is already shaping India's role in space exploration.