New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) In a giant leap for Indian space aspirations, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla today soared into history as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 crew gently docked with the International Space Station (ISS), marking India’s return to manned space missions after a gap of 41 years.
The moment the Dragon capsule latched onto the ISS’s Harmony module, a wave of emotion swept across the nation — especially in Lucknow, where Shukla’s proud family watched the event unfold live at his alma mater.
“It feels great… We are excited,” said an elated Asha Shukla, his mother, moments before the family left to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, called it “a proud day for the family,” while sister Shuchi Mishra said she had prayed for her brother’s safety and success.
This historic mission makes Shukla only the second Indian to travel into space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight. Launched just yesterday, the Axiom-4 mission features astronauts from four countries—India, the United States, Poland, and Hungary—and is operated by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, promoting global scientific cooperation aboard the orbiting laboratory.
From space, Shukla sent a heartwarming message that quickly captivated millions back home: “Namaskar from space!” He described the surreal moment of liftoff with awe. “When I was sitting in the capsule, the only thought was ‘let’s just go’… and then suddenly, nothing—you were floating.” Floating above Earth, Shukla said he was “enjoying the views, learning like a baby,” clearly moved by the stunning visuals of the blue planet beneath.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the mission, the Axiom-4 crew introduced their zero-gravity indicator—a plush toy named ‘Joy’—which floated gently inside the capsule, symbolizing successful entry into weightlessness.
Explaining the complexity of today’s milestone, space scientist RC Kapoor noted that docking is a delicate operation requiring extreme precision, with both spacecraft hurtling through orbit at over 28,000 km/h. The successful maneuver was the result of flawless coordination and advanced automated systems onboard.
Calling the journey a “collective achievement,” Shukla credited his success to the dedication of his family, mentors, and mission teams. He admitted to a few initial discomforts, but smiled and added he’s now comfortably settled into life aboard the ISS.
With Shukla’s arrival, India has not only reignited its space dreams but also staked its place in the new era of commercial and collaborative space exploration. The Axiom-4 team will now begin their series of research experiments and outreach programmes aboard the ISS, continuing their mission to push the boundaries of science—and inspire generations back on Earth.
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