Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Sends Inspiring Message from Space
As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft navigates its path to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared an emotional message about his space journey so far. Affectionately known as “Shux” among his team, Shukla expressed excitement and awe while reflecting on the launch experience and upcoming tasks.
Thrilling Launch and First Moments in Space
Speaking from inside the Dragon capsule, Shukla recounted his feelings moments before and during the launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “Namaskar from space! I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts, and what a ride it was!” he said. After enduring 30 days of quarantine, his overriding thought at the launchpad was simply, ‘let’s just go’.
Describing the actual lift-off, he said, “When the ride started, it was something! You’re pushed back strongly into your seat, and then suddenly, weightlessness — floating in the silence of the vacuum. It was an amazing feeling.”
Key Role in Docking the Spacecraft
Shukla is integral to this mission not just as a crew member but as the pilot overseeing critical maneuvers. He will monitor the spacecraft's trajectory, orbital data, and movements of the ISS closely during the approach before docking.
The crew is scheduled to dock with the space-facing port of the Harmony module autonomously at approximately 7 a.m. EST (4:30 p.m. IST) on June 26. This marks a significant milestone, with Shukla leading India’s contribution to this collaborative effort.
A Symbolic Soft Toy and Historic Mission
Among the personal mementos on board is a soft toy Swan, which Shukla explained is a symbol of wisdom deeply rooted in Indian culture. This detail adds a human touch amid the high-tech environment of the mission.
The Axiom-4 crew comprises astronauts representing India, Poland, and Hungary, each marking their respective countries’ first missions to the ISS. Notably, this is only the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over four decades.
Advancing India’s Space Endeavors
Beyond the excitement of the flight, Shukla plans to conduct scientific experiments focusing on microgravity research aimed at boosting India's ambitions in space. These experiments are part of a broader vision, with India targeting its own space station by 2035 and aspirations to send astronauts to the Moon by 2047.
Conclusion
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey aboard the Axiom-4 mission symbolizes a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration narrative — blending technical expertise, cultural pride, and visionary research. As the spacecraft nears dock with the ISS, the world watches this remarkable chapter unfold.
