“Jai Hind!” from Space: Shukla’s Flight Inspires a Nation

International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984. Launched aboard Axiom Mission 4 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the mission includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary, all heading to the ISS for the first time. Over 14 days, the crew will conduct 60 experiments spanning life sciences, Earth observation, and material research. Shukla’s journey marks the beginning of India’s Human Space Programme and lays the groundwork for ISRO’s future Gaganyaan missions.

In a major milestone for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has become the second Indian astronaut to travel to space, marking the country’s return to manned spaceflight after 41 years.

This historic mission comes more than four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma etched his name in history in 1984.

A Launch of Global Significance

The launch took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4); a privately operated mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission includes astronauts from three nations making their first ISS-bound trip:

• Shubhanshu Shukla (India) - Pilot
• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) - Mission Specialist (ESA)
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) - Mission Specialist (HUNOR)
• Peggy Whitson (USA) - Mission Commander (Axiom Space)

With this, India, Poland, and Hungary have joined the elite list of nations with astronauts aboard the ISS.

India's First Astronaut on the ISS

At just 39 years old, Shukla, a fighter pilot selected by ISRO, now holds the title of India’s first astronaut to reach the ISS. The Crew Dragon capsule is currently in orbit and is expected to dock at 7:00 a.m. ET today with the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated Shukla, calling it a “moment of immense pride for India.”

14 Days of Science and Innovation

The Ax-4 crew will spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries. Their work spans multiple research domains:

• Human health & life sciences
• Earth observation & sustainability
• Biological & materials research
• Technology innovation in microgravity

These activities will help drive technological progress and support international collaboration in space-based science.

Shukla’s Message from Orbit: "Jai Hind!"

In a moving address from space, Group Captain Shukla said:

“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride.

We are orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second. The Tiranga on my shoulder reminds me I carry all of you with me.

This isn’t just a visit to the ISS; it’s the beginning of India’s Human Space Programme. Let your hearts swell with pride. Let’s walk this path together.

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

Looking Ahead: Gaganyaan and Beyond

This successful mission is seen as a stepping stone for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which aims to launch Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit aboard an indigenous launch system.

As the Crew Dragon nears docking with the ISS, this mission not only symbolizes a return to human spaceflight but also the start of a bold new chapter in India’s space journey — one that blends national pride with global partnership.