New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) In a moment that would be etched in the annals of Indian space history, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soared into the skies not just as an astronaut, but as a proud representative of 1.4 billion Indians.

Now aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4, Shukla became only the second Indian to enter space, and the first to do so in a new era of global space collaboration.

Draped in national pride and carrying the Indian Tricolour on his shoulder, he delivered a stirring message that resonated with the hopes and dreams of a rising spacefaring nation.

"I carry the Indian Tricolour on my shoulder and believe this will be a thrilling and meaningful phase. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat," Shukla said in Hindi, calling his mission "India’s first step in its own space journey."

Shukla, who becomes only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, called his presence in the ISS "India’s first step in its own space journey."

Sharing his physical condition and emotions candidly, Shukla said, "With your love and blessings, I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it’s not. My head feels heavy and there’s some discomfort, but these are minor things. We will get used to them."

The Axiom-4 crew will remain on the ISS for 14 days, conducting a series of scientific experiments in microgravity. Shukla emphasised the significance of the mission not just as a technical achievement, but as a symbolic foundation for India’s future space efforts. "This also marks the beginning of our own space journey," he said, reinforcing the national importance of the mission.

Shukla also expressed gratitude for the warm reception by the ISS crew: “It’s been an incredible ride. From the moment we entered the ISS, the crew made us feel at home. Whatever expectations I had have been exceeded – not only by the view, but by the warmth and professionalism of this crew."

NASA confirmed that the Dragon capsule Grace successfully docked to the ISS at 4:01 pm IST (6:31 am EDT), while orbiting over the North Atlantic Ocean. The spacecraft underwent soft docking followed by hard-mating through 12 mechanical hooks that locked it securely to the station. After pressure checks and leak testing, the hatches were opened, allowing the crew to enter.

Apart from Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission includes Poland' Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary's Tibor Kapu, each representing only the second astronaut from their respective countries.

Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center yesterday, the Axiom-4 mission is widely viewed as a critical precursor to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme. It also marks the country’s return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. UNI BDN SSP