Wed Jun 25 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary:**
After 41 years, India returns to human spaceflight with Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the ISS as part of Axiom Space’s Axiom-4, launched by SpaceX. The mission, with astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary, took off from Florida and will dock at the ISS for 14 days to conduct experiments. Shukla emphasized the importance of the mission for India’s space ambitions and national pride and will share Indian cuisine on the ISS. The mission signifies international cooperation and the role of commercial spaceflight.
**Here’s a news article version:**
**India Celebrates as Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Reaches International Space Station After 41-Year Gap**
**Florida/New Delhi –** India erupted in celebration Wednesday as Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in over four decades. His launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of Axiom Space’s Axiom-4 mission marks a historic return to human spaceflight for the nation.
The Axiom-4 mission, which also includes veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 pm IST. The launch was watched with immense pride and emotion across India, particularly at Shukla’s alma mater, City Montessori School in Lucknow.
“Namaskar, my dear countrymen; we have reached space after 41 years,” Shukla said from orbit in Hindi, shortly after the Dragon capsule successfully entered orbit. He emphasized that this mission is the beginning of a new chapter for India’s human spaceflight program.
The “Grace” spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Thursday. The crew will spend 14 days conducting over 60 scientific experiments focusing on human physiology, space technology, and Earth observation. Shukla plans to share Indian curry, rice, and mango nectar with his fellow astronauts, showcasing Indian culture on the international stage.
Shukla stated his mission is to “ignite the curiosity of an entire generation,”. The mission has already sparked renewed interest in India’s space program, with outreach events planned throughout Shukla’s time aboard the ISS. A live interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected.
The Axiom-4 mission is a significant milestone not only for India but also for Poland and Hungary, each sending a representative to space after decades. The mission strengthens international cooperation in space exploration and highlights the growing role of commercial spaceflight.
Shukla’s journey serves as a testament to India’s progress in space exploration and inspires future ambitions, especially with the nation’s indigenous Gaganyaan mission on the horizon.
First Piper 