In a moment that stirred pride across India, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla greeted the world with a heartfelt “Namaskar from space” as he soared aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, on the way to the International Space Station (ISS). The message, delivered from orbit, marked the milestone in his personal journey and also a significant chapter in India’s growing presence in international space exploration.

 

Shukla is part of the historic Axiom-4 mission, a commercial spaceflight undertaken by Axiom Space. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, powered by the Falcon-9 rocket. Accompanying Shukla are three esteemed crewmates: mission commander and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson (USA), Polish engineer SÅ‚awosz UznaÅ„ski, and Hungarian researcher Tibor Kapu. Together, the four astronauts are on a 14-day mission aboard the ISS.

 

 

A Journey of Determination

 

Recounting his experience during a videolink from space, Shukla spoke candidly about the emotional and physical transitions involved in space travel. After enduring a 30-day quarantine, far removed from the bustling anticipation of launch day, he admitted that the excitement had given way to a singular, compelling desire: “Let’s just go.”

 

Once inside the capsule Grace, the newly christened spacecraft for this mission, Shukla described the exhilarating sensation of liftoff. “Wow, what a ride it was,” he exclaimed. “You were getting pushed back in the seat, and then suddenly - silence. You’re floating. Unbuckled. Weightless.”

 

 

Learning to Live in Microgravity

 

In orbit, Shukla finds himself in the early stages of adapting to life in microgravity. “It’s like being a baby again,” he said with delight. “Learning how to walk, how to eat, how to move without gravity. I’m learning every moment.” The astronaut humorously added that his fellow crew members have noticed how much he’s been sleeping an expected adjustment as the human body acclimates to life beyond Earth.

 

Floating alongside him is Joy, a plush swan toy that serves as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator and unofficial fifth crew member. It’s a simple yet profound symbol of the childlike wonder and scientific achievement that space travel represents.

 

 

A Mission Without Borders

 

As Axiom-4 continues its journey to the ISS, expected to dock shortly, the mission exemplifies the spirit of international collaboration and exploration. Group Captain Shukla’s inclusion highlights India’s deepening involvement in space missions and serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring astronauts and scientists back home.

 

For Shukla, the mission is a personal and collective dream come true. His reflections from orbit reveal a profound sense of humility, joy, and curiosity. “It’s good to make mistakes,” he said, “but it’s even better when you’re learning together. This experience with my fellow astronauts has been so fulfilling.”

 

As the Dragon spacecraft circles Earth and prepares to dock with the ISS, Shukla’s simple message “Namaskar from space” resonates as a powerful greeting from the cosmos. It is a reminder that the hunt of knowledge, the spirit of adventure, and the bonds of humanity truly know no boundaries.

 

 

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