INTERNATIONAL: Shukla’s Space Message Ignites India’s Pride
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s astronaut, delivered an inspiring message from Earth’s orbit, marking a historic moment in the nation’s space program. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, his spacecraft’s successful orbital entry signals India’s resurgence in human spaceflight. His words unite 1.4 billion citizens in a shared vision.
Axiom-4 Mission Overview
On June 25, 2025, at 12:01 PM IST, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, carrying Shukla and three astronauts. The spacecraft separated minutes later, entering orbit at 7.5 kilometers per second, en route to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla’s Orbital Address
From orbit, Shukla addressed India: “Our tricolor flag is on my shoulders. I feel you are all with me.” He framed the mission as a collective milestone, marking India’s first human spaceflight since 1984.
Mission Objectives
After a 28-hour transit, the Axiom-4 crew will dock with the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on June 26, 2025. Their 14-day mission includes microgravity experiments and interactions with Prime Minister Modi and students.
Historical Significance
Shukla’s journey, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s mission, underscores India’s advancing space capabilities. The Axiom-4 mission, a public-private collaboration, highlights global partnerships in space exploration.
Shukla’s Profile
A seasoned Indian Air Force pilot, Shukla is a key figure in the Gaganyaan program. His role as mission pilot reflects India’s growing expertise in human spaceflight operations.
National Impact
Shukla’s call to “start our country’s human space program together” resonates as a rallying cry for India’s space ambitions. The mission strengthens optimism for future endeavors like Gaganyaan.
Shukla’s Space Message Ignites India’s Pride
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s astronaut, delivered an inspiring message from Earth’s orbit, marking a historic moment in the nation’s space program. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, his spacecraft’s successful orbital entry signals India’s resurgence in human spaceflight. His words unite 1.4 billion citizens in a shared vision.
Axiom-4 Mission Overview
On June 25, 2025, at 12:01 PM IST, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, carrying Shukla and three astronauts. The spacecraft separated minutes later, entering orbit at 7.5 kilometers per second, en route to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla’s Orbital Address
From orbit, Shukla addressed India: “Our tricolor flag is on my shoulders. I feel you are all with me.” He framed the mission as a collective milestone, marking India’s first human spaceflight since 1984.
Mission Objectives
After a 28-hour transit, the Axiom-4 crew will dock with the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on June 26, 2025. Their 14-day mission includes microgravity experiments and interactions with Prime Minister Modi and students.
Historical Significance
Shukla’s journey, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s mission, underscores India’s advancing space capabilities. The Axiom-4 mission, a public-private collaboration, highlights global partnerships in space exploration.
Shukla’s Profile
A seasoned Indian Air Force pilot, Shukla is a key figure in the Gaganyaan program. His role as mission pilot reflects India’s growing expertise in human spaceflight operations.
National Impact
Shukla’s call to “start our country’s human space program together” resonates as a rallying cry for India’s space ambitions. The mission strengthens optimism for future endeavors like Gaganyaan.