‘Namaste from Space’: Captain Shukla Carries India’s Spirit to the Stars
New Delhi, 25th June 2025: In a landmark moment for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The launch took place at around 12 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, making Shukla the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984.
International Crew on a Scientific Mission
Joining Shukla on the 14-day mission are:
Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut
Tibor Kapu, payload specialist
Slawosz Uznanski Wisniewski, representing the European Space Agency
Together, the crew will conduct cutting-edge experiments in microgravity, focusing on health science, material behavior, and emerging technologies.
A Touch of India in Space
As a tribute to Indian culture, Captain Shukla carried a selection of traditional Indian sweets—Gajar ka Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, and Aam Ras—to share with his crewmates aboard the ISS. In addition, he brought a special token dedicated to Rakesh Sharma, acknowledging the inspiration and mentorship provided by India’s first space hero.
“Namaste from Space”: Shukla’s Message to India
Before liftoff, Shukla delivered an emotional message to the nation:
“Namaste, my fellow countrymen. What an incredible journey! After 40 years, we’ve reached space again, and it’s nothing short of amazing. The tricolor on my shoulder reminds me that I am not alone—my entire nation is with me.”
Docking and Research Timeline
The Falcon 9 capsule is expected to dock with the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on 26 June. Once aboard, the crew will immediately begin a tightly packed schedule of research, contributing valuable data to international scientific missions.
Captain Shukla’s mission is being celebrated across India as a proud milestone in the country’s growing role in global space exploration and innovation. His journey not only rekindles the nation’s space ambitions but also paves the way for future Indian astronauts in international missions.
