India Celebrates Axiom-4 Launch: Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Mission Reignites National Pride After 41 Years

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has sparked widespread celebration across India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressed the nation's excitement in a moving tribute to Shubhanshu Shukla's historic achievement.

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla ascended into space, he carried the aspirations of our nation, embodying the resilience of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment that will be etched in our memories for generations."

The Axiom-4 mission signifies India's significant return to human spaceflight, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's pioneering journey.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, accompanied by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing that Shukla embodies the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.

He posted on X, “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!”

The astronauts are scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, where they will conduct over 60 scientific experiments.

Speaking from the spacecraft "Grace", Shukla addressed the nation with deep emotion, "Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.”

Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian tricolor on his spacesuit, representing the unity and spirit of the nation. He voiced his hope that the mission would ignite curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indian space explorers.

“This isn’t just my journey -- it’s India’s journey into the future of human spaceflight,” he added.

Shukla's mission has already begun to redefine India's position in space exploration, as his words resonate across the country.