Axiom-4 Mission Soars: Shubhanshu Shukla Sends First Message From Space

India’s human spaceflight era begins as tricolour reaches orbit with historic launch

Kennedy Space Center : In a moment that marks a giant leap for India’s space ambitions, the Axiom-4 mission successfully launched from Complex 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla along with three international crewmates. The rocket lifted off precisely at 12:01 PM IST, and within minutes, India was once again represented beyond Earth’s atmosphere—41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 mission.

Moments after the spacecraft entered orbit, Shukla delivered an emotional first message:

“Namaste, my dear countrymen, what a ride! After 41 years, we have reached space again. And it was an amazing ride. Right now we are orbiting the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometers per second. I have my tricolour on my shoulder, reminding me I am not alone—I’m here with all of you.”

Calling this launch the beginning of India’s Human Space Program, Shukla invited every Indian to join in the pride and excitement:

“Let us all together begin this human space journey of India. Thank you, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!”

Shukla is now set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS at 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, after a 28-hour journey.

As India enters a new era of manned space exploration, Shukla’s words and presence among the stars have ignited hope, pride, and a shared vision of national scientific advancement.