A historic chapter in India’s space journey unfolded on Wednesday, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soared beyond Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
Leading the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) on a private commercial mission. He is only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s legendary 1984 flight.
After several delays, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blazed into the sky from NASA’s iconic Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:31 a.m. IST (6:31 a.m. GMT). This very pad once launched Neil Armstrong toward his Moon landing in 1969—now the launch site of another historic moment for India.
The Indian Air Force proudly celebrated its Air Warrior’s achievement with a stirring tribute on X: “From conquering the skies to touching the stars- a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior. Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of the nation beyond Earth. This is a dj-vu moment for India, 41 years after the mission of Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, who first carried our Tricolour beyond Earth. Being more than a mission, it is a reaffirmation of India’s ever-expanding horizon.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
President Droupadi Murmu echoed the nation’s joy and highlighted the global collaboration behind the mission: “As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian’s journey into the stars.”
She added, “The wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration.”
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh hailed the launch as symbolic of India’s leap toward its development goals: “India’s rise to the status of Viksit Bharat has taken flight through space.”
He further honoured India’s scientific legacy: “It is indeed the vindication of the founding fathers of India’s space program, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan. It is so that this vindication of our founding fathers had to happen under the leadership of PM Modi. India is no longer a follower but an equal partner in all our collaborations. Shubhanshu Shukla is possibly the most crucial member of this mission as he performs seven crucial experiments designed by Indian institutes. These will be of vital importance to all agencies across the world.”
This mission is yet another reaffirmation of India’s place in space exploration.
Four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering voyage, Group Captain Shukla has now carried the space torch, not merely as a pilot, but as a symbol of India’s position among the stars.
Also Read: Healing Together: Financial Aid Ushers New Hope After Air India Tragedy https://www.vibesofindia.com/healing-together-financial-aid-ushers-new-hope-after-air-india-tragedy/
