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Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
‘Sky is never the limit, not for me, you, or India': Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and said, 'Sky is never the limit, neither for you, nor me, nor for India.' During the exchange, PM Modi told Shukla: "Your historic journey will further strengthen students' resolve to explore space." During their interaction, Shukla said, 'If you try and build your future properly, then the nation's future will also be good. And keep this one thing in your heart: 'Sky is never the limit', neither for you, nor me, nor for India.' Shukla made history on Wednesday as he embarked on a journey to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 commercial space mission operated by Axiom Space. The spacecraft, carrying Shukla and three other astronauts, docked with the ISS on June 26. His mission marks a major milestone, being the first Indian to travel to space in 41 years since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 spaceflight. Shukla, serving as Mission Pilot, becomes the second Indian ever to travel to space. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the interaction via a post on X: "PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station." During the exchange, PM Modi told Shukla: "Your historic journey will further strengthen students' resolve to explore space." Expressing deep pride, Shukla said: "Not my journey alone but also our country's, feel proud to represent India." He also shared his perspective from space: "India looks grand and bigger from space than it does on map." Earlier, following the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission, Prime Minister Modi had written on X, 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. 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!' 'Floating in the vacuum, and it's magical' Shukla shared his excitement about the journey to space, describing it as an unforgettable experience. "I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts – what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical," he said. Expressing gratitude to the mission team, Shukla called the experience a shared success. "I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment – it belongs to all of us," he added. The Axiom-4 mission, aboard the Dragon spacecraft, successfully docked with the ISS on Thursday, earlier than scheduled. The autonomous docking occurred at 4:05 pm IST at the space-facing port of the Harmony module. Upon arrival, the Ax-4 crew—comprising former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary—was welcomed by the Expedition 73 crew and participated in a safety briefing. Shukla expressed his sense of pride after entering the ISS, becoming the 634th human in space and the first Indian to board the ISS. "I am no 634, that's a privilege," Shukla said after receiving his official astronaut pin from Mission Commander Peggy Whitson. He added, "To be fair, it is a privilege to be amongst the few who have got the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now. It has been a wonderful ride. I was looking forward to coming to space--it is something to look forward. But the moment I entered the ISS, I felt welcomed. You (Expedition 73 crew) guys literally opened up your doors like your house doors for us, that was fantastic. The expectations I had were surpassed, so thank you so much; this was fantastic. I am confident the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing science and research." In a heartfelt message to the nation, he said, "I have a small message for my countrymen: It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it is not; my head is aching. However, we will get used to it. We will be here for 14 days, conducting scientific experiments and speaking with you. This is a milestone for India. Let's make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest." He added, "The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me. I believe the next 14 days are going to be truly interesting." Over the next two weeks, the Ax-4 crew will carry out a series of scientific, outreach, and commercial activities aboard the orbiting lab. Shukla will be conducting several experiments as part of his mission onboard the ISS.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Shukla carries aspirations of 140 crore Indians: PM
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the successful launch of Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station and said astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 140 crore Indians. "We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US," Modi said in a post on X. He said Group Captain 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," Modi said.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
President, PM extend best wishes for Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) hailed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his landmark space odyssey. '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 U.S., Poland and Hungary prove the world is indeed one family — 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. 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,' said the President in a post on X. Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Shukla has created history by becoming second Indian to travel to space. He, along with three others, will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a commercial mission by Axiom Space. Mr. Modi posted on X, 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the U.S. 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 Space Mission carrying astronauts from four countries, including India, is going to be a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla, who hails from Lucknow, is set to be the first Indian to go to International Space Station. The country is proud of him. Wishing him and his fellow space travellers success in their endeavours,' posted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on X. Group Captain Shukla did his schooling from City Montessori School before joining the National Defence Academy. He was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 and has over 2,000 hours of flying time on a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Dornier-228. The IAF posted on X, 'From conquering the skies to touching the stars — a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of the nation beyond Earth. This is a dèjà-vu moment for India, 41 years after the mission of Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, who first carried our Tricolour beyond Earth. Being more than a mission — it is reaffirmation of India's ever-expanding horizon.'
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Cabinet Adopts Resolution On Shubhanshu Shukla's Axion-4 Mission Launch
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday welcomed the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others. Mr Shukla and three other astronauts embarked on a journey to the International Space Station onboard the Dragon spacecraft that was placed in an orbit around the Earth by the Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX. "We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US," read the resolution adopted at the meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Cabinet noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, reading from the resolution. "He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success," the Cabinet resolution said. The astronauts are expected to dock at the International Space Station on Thursday evening.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4 launch successful: Yuvraj Singh reacts to Shubhanshu Shukla's historic milestone - 'This is a moment we'll ...'
Yuvraj Singh and Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos) The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has ignited a wave of pride across India, with former cricketer Yuvraj Singh capturing the national sentiment in a heartfelt message. 'As Group Captain Shukla lifted off into space, he carried with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we'll remember for generations,' he wrote. The Axiom-4 mission marks a monumental return to human spaceflight for India, coming 41 years after Rakesh Sharma 's iconic voyage. Blasting off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations, noting that Shukla carries the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. 'We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. 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!' He posted on X. The astronauts are set to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting over 60 scientific experiments. From his spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation with emotion: 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.' Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly wore the Indian tricolour on his suit, symbolising the collective spirit of the nation. He expressed hope that his mission would spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indians to explore space. India Outplayed at Headingley | England Go 1-0 Up in the Series | IND vs ENG 1st Test 'This isn't just my journey -- it's India's journey into the future of human spaceflight,' he said. With his words echoing across the nation, Shukla's mission has already begun to redefine India's place in space exploration. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
