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Key Points

After 41 years, IAF Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla embarks on a historic mission to the International Space Station, marking India’s return to space. Collaborating with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, the mission showcases international cooperation in space exploration. Shukla, joined by an international crew, will conduct innovative experiments on space nutrition, focusing on microalgae. His emotional farewell to his wife highlights the personal sacrifices behind this groundbreaking journey.

Key Points: Shubanshu Shukla's Historic Space Journey with Axiom Space

  • Shukla is India's second astronaut in space
  • Axiom Space collaborates with NASA and SpaceX
  • Experiments on space nutrition will be conducted
  • Launch deferred six times before success
2 min read

Axiom Space lifts off: Journey of India's human space flight, says Shubanshu Shukla

Shubanshu Shukla lifts India's flag to the ISS after 41 years, marking a new era in Indian space exploration.

"This is the journey of India's human space flight. - Shubanshu Shukla"

New Delhi, June 25

IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who began his historic mission to become the first from India to reach the International Space Station on Wednesday, said it's the journey of India's human space flight.

After 41 years, India will have an astronaut in space. Shukla will be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984.

"This is not my journey alone, but I am carrying the Indian flag with me, and this is the journey of India's human space flight," Shukla said, onboard the flight.

"Liftoff for #Ax4. The #Ax4 crew is on its way to the space station," said the US-based Axiom Space, which has, in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, organised the mission.

"Liftoff of Ax-4!" added SpaceX.

Shukla's flight launched at 2.31 a.m. EDT ( noon IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company's Falcon 9 rocket.

The lift-off comes after being deferred at least six times.

"India is returning to space, Jai Hind," Shukla wrote on X, just before the launch of the mission.

"After 41 years, India's flag will fly in space again," he added.

Earlier, Shukla also penned an emotional note for his wife.

"Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter," said Shukla, in a post on Instagram.

He also shared a photograph that shows them saying goodbye through opposite sides of a glass wall.

Shukla also thanked people "involved in this mission for their support".

He is serving as the pilot of the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the US.

The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition.

Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition and study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae -- a nutrient-rich, high-potential food source for future space missions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
What a proud moment for India! After 41 long years, our flag is flying high in space again. Grateful to Group Captain Shukla for carrying our nation's dreams with him. The emotional note to his wife shows the human side behind this scientific achievement. 🇮🇳🚀
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Priya M.
While this is exciting, I hope ISRO's Gaganyaan mission gets equal attention. Why are we celebrating a NASA-SpaceX mission so much when our own space program is making strides? Still, best wishes to Shukla sir - make us proud up there!
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Amit S.
The food nutrition experiments sound fascinating! Imagine Indian astronauts eating aloo parathas in space someday 😄 Jokes aside, this collaboration shows how far we've come in space tech. From Aryabhata to Chandrayaan to this - what a journey!
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Sunita R.
As a science teacher, I'm using this mission to inspire my students today. Shukla sir's dedication and his wife's support show what teamwork really means. Hope this encourages more young Indians to pursue careers in space science!
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Vikram J.
The photo through the glass wall gave me goosebumps! These astronauts sacrifice so much for science. Hope our media gives proper coverage to the actual scientific work being done, not just the emotional moments. Proud of our space warriors!
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Neha P.
Interesting that he's studying microalgae - maybe we'll find sustainable space food solutions that can help with hunger problems on Earth too. That's the real win! More power to Team India in space 🌍🚀

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