Axiom-4 Mission: India Celebrates Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic ISS Voyage, Yuvraj Singh Lauds Milestone

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has ignited immense pride throughout India. Former cricket icon Yuvraj Singh voiced the national sentiment, celebrating the landmark achievement.

Yuvraj Singh congratulates Shubhanshu Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission.

"As Group Captain Shukla journeyed into space, he carried the aspirations of our nation, embodying the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we’ll remember for generations,” Singh stated.

The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant return to human spaceflight for India, marking a milestone 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's pioneering voyage.

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

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

"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!” Modi shared on X.

The astronauts are scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting over 60 scientific experiments.

From the spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation, filled with 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 suit, symbolizing the nation's unified spirit. He voiced his hope that this mission will spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indians to explore the vast expanse of space.

Indian flag displayed on Shukla's spacesuit during the Axiom-4 mission.

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

With his words resonating across the nation, Shukla’s mission has already begun to redefine India's role in space exploration.