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Key Points

President Murmu and PM Modi have extended proud wishes to IAF's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he becomes the first Indian astronaut headed to the International Space Station. The historic Axiom Mission 4 marks India's return to human spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 Soviet mission. Shukla's SpaceX Dragon launch from Florida culminates months of delays, carrying a multicultural crew from the US, Poland and Hungary. The leaders emphasized this milestone reflects growing NASA-ISRO collaboration while fulfilling 1.4 billion Indians' space aspirations.

Key Points: Modi Murmu Hail Shubhanshu Shukla as First Indian Headed to ISS

  • Shukla pilots historic Axiom Mission 4 with US Poland Hungary crew
  • First Indian at ISS since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 spaceflight
  • SpaceX Dragon launch from Florida after 6 delays
  • Murmu highlights NASA-ISRO partnership in space experiments
3 min read

Proud of Indian's journey into stars: Prez Murmu, PM Modi extend best wishes to Shubhanshu Shukla

President Murmu and PM Modi celebrate IAF's Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach ISS after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission

"He carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians - PM Narendra Modi on Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS mission"

New Delhi, June 25

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their best wishes to IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Wednesday for embarking on a historic mission to become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

They congratulated him for taking India's journey to the ISS and making Indians proud.

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.

Taking to X, President Murmu posted, "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. He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 from the US, Poland and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family -- 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'."

Extending her wishes, the President added, "My best wishes for the success of this mission, which reflects the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO. The wide-ranging experiments to be performed by the crew will lead to new frontiers of scientific studies and space exploration."

PM Modi also congratulated Shukla and wished him and the other astronauts success.

"We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US," he said in a post on X.

"The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!" the Prime Minister added.

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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 After 41 long years, we finally have another Indian in space. Group Captain Shukla is carrying the dreams of 1.4 billion people with him. The emotional note to his wife shows the human side behind this scientific achievement. Jai Hind!
R
Rahul S.
While this is indeed a proud moment, I hope ISRO focuses more on indigenous space missions rather than depending on foreign collaborations. When will we see an Indian astronaut launched from Indian soil on an Indian rocket? That would be the real milestone!
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Ananya M.
The 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' spirit shown in this international mission is beautiful! 🌍 Science knows no borders. Shukla sir's achievement will inspire millions of Indian children to look at the stars with new dreams. My nephew now wants to be an astronaut instead of a cricketer!
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Vikram J.
Kudos to Shubhanshu Shukla! But let's not forget Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who paved the way back in 1984 with his iconic "Saare Jahan Se Achha" from space. Both are heroes who make Bharat proud. Hope to see many more Indians in space soon!
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Sunita P.
Emotional to see an Indian flag in space again after decades! 🚀 The photograph with his wife is so touching - behind every successful man is a strong woman indeed. Wishing the entire crew safe travels and successful experiments. This is just the beginning of India's space journey!
K
Karan D.
Great achievement no doubt, but I'm more excited about Gaganyaan! When our own astronauts go to space on our own rocket, that will be the real game-changer. Still, congratulations to Group Captain Shukla for representing India on global stage. Make us proud up there!

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