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 Sławosz Uznański, 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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