Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla, a distinguished Indian Air Force officer, has etched his name in the annals of Indian space exploration by becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. The Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marks a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning space program.
A Historic Journey
Sudhanshu Shukla, fondly nicknamed “Shux” by his crew, piloted the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, carried Shukla alongside three other astronauts: mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). After a 28-hour journey, the crew successfully docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025, greeted with warm hugs and handshakes by the Expedition 73 team.
In his first message from the ISS, delivered in Hindi, Shukla expressed his pride and excitement: “Namaskar, mere pyaare desh vasiyon. I am carrying the Tiranga and all of you with me. The next 14 days will be exciting.” He acknowledged the challenges of space travel, noting, “My head feels heavy, and there’s a little discomfort, but these are minor issues. We will get used to it.”
A Trailblazer’s Path
Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla is a seasoned test pilot and combat leader with over 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft. His selection as an astronaut-designate for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a year ago, underscored his exceptional skills. Shukla underwent rigorous training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia, preparing him for this historic mission.
As the mission pilot, Shukla played a critical role in overseeing the spacecraft’s trajectory, orbital alignment, and docking procedures. His technical expertise was praised by mission commander Peggy Whitson, who called it an “exceptional asset” to the team.
A Mission of Science and Inspiration
Over the next 14 days, Shukla and his crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific experiments aboard the ISS, with Shukla leading seven of them focused on microgravity research. These experiments, representing 31 countries, aim to advance our understanding of science in space and foster international collaboration.
Shukla’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a stepping stone for India’s human spaceflight program. The Axiom-4 mission provides valuable experience for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) ahead of the Gaganyaan mission, slated for 2027, which aims to make India the fourth nation capable of sending humans to space.
A Nation Celebrates
Back on Earth, Shukla’s achievement has sparked widespread pride. At Lucknow’s City Montessori School, where he studied until class 12, students, teachers, and his parents, Shambhu and Asha Shukla, celebrated the docking with a standing ovation. Asha Shukla shared her joy: “I felt proud when he landed in space. It’s a proud moment for India.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the family to offer congratulations, reflecting the nation’s collective pride.
Prime Minister Modi also lauded the mission, stating that Shukla “is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the ISS,” marking a historic moment 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s journey.
A New Chapter for India
As the 634th astronaut to travel to space, Shukla’s mission symbolizes India’s growing prowess in space exploration. His words from the ISS resonate with ambition: “This is the first step of this journey.” For a nation aspiring to join the elite ranks of spacefaring countries, Shukla’s odyssey is a beacon of hope and a testament to India’s relentless pursuit of the stars.
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