Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the 39‑year‑old Indian Air Force test pilot, made history aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4), becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) – ending a 41‑year hiatus since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight.
A Magical Ascent and First Message
Speaking from orbit just hours after liftoff on June 25, 2025, Shukla shared his first words from space:
“Namaskar from space. I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. What a ride it was… you’re floating in the vacuum.”
He described the launch as “magical,” the force pushing him back in his seat, followed by sudden silence of microgravity – it felt like sinking “into a vacuum.”
Microgravity Woes… With a Smile
Admitting humorously that microgravity took a toll:
“I was not feeling very great when we got shot into the vacuum… but I have been told I am sleeping a lot since yesterday.”
He likened his early space routine to a newborn, relearning “how to walk and eat in space.”
Historic Docking at the ISS
After a 28‑hour flight, the SpaceX Dragon ‘Grace’ docked with the ISS on June 26 – soft docking at 4:02 pm IST and hard capture by 4:16 pm IST – welcomed aboard by Commander Peggy Whitson and current ISS astronauts.
Shukla becomes the first Indian aboard the ISS, and only the second Indian ever in space. Thousands watched around the globe – from Lucknow, Gdańsk, Budapest, to Houston .
14-Day Mission of Science & Inspiration
The Ax‑4 crew, including Shukla, will spend two weeks aboard the ISS conducting 60+ experiments in microgravity biology, Earth observation, materials science, AI, health, and space nutrition – especially testing edible microalgae systems for future long-duration missions.
Shukla’s role is also pivotal preparation for India’s Gaganyaan program, set for 2026–27.
Global Significance & National Pride
This private-public initiative led by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX reinforces India’s emerging leadership in space. Inspired by Modi’s vision and celebrated by leaders like UP’s CM Yogi Adityanath, Shukla’s mission symbolizes international collaboration and scientific progress.
Chief Minister Adityanath called it a “proud moment” and testament to India’s capabilities on the global stage .
Final Thoughts: Beyond Earth, Beyond Limits
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is more than a milestone – it’s a bridge between past glories and future ambitions. His candid reflections, from sleepiness in orbit to rediscovering gravity, reveal the human side of space exploration. As he pioneers research that will support India’s independent missions, his flight opens a new chapter – one where human spaceflight becomes routine, inclusive, and boundlessly inspiring.