‘Privileged To See Earth From Here’: First Indian On ISS Shubhanshu Shukla’s Message From Space
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history on Thursday, becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). In his first message from orbit, he described the experience as a “privileged moment” and expressed his confidence in the 14-day mission ahead.
The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, carrying Shukla and three other astronauts, successfully docked its SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with the ISS at 4:01 PM IST on Thursday. The docking manoeuvre marked the culmination of a 28-hour journey after lifting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“It is a privilege to be among the few who have got a chance to see the Earth from this vantage point,” Shukla said in his first remarks broadcast live from the station. “I am confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing,” he added, thanking the existing ISS crew for the warm welcome that made him “feel even better.”
In a poignant ceremony, mission commander and veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson officially welcomed Shukla aboard by pinning the ‘Astronaut No 634’ pin on his suit, signifying his entry into the elite group of humans who have travelled to space.
The 39-year-old IAF pilot, who hails from Lucknow, is a key figure in India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, which is slated for 2027. His mission is seen as a crucial precursor, providing invaluable experience in microgravity operations.
Back on Earth, celebrations erupted in his hometown of Lucknow. His proud parents thanked the nation for its support and were visited by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who congratulated them on their son’s historic achievement.
The Ax-4 mission is a multinational endeavour. Alongside Shukla and Whitson, the crew includes mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. They will spend the next two weeks conducting a wide range of scientific experiments in the unique microgravity environment of the ISS.
This achievement marks a significant milestone, placing India in a select group of nations with citizens who have visited the orbiting laboratory and solidifying its position as a rising power in space exploration.
