‘India Is Returning To Space, Jai Hind’, Says Shubhanshu Shukla Ahead Of Historic ISS Mission

Shubhanshu Shukla: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, reaffirming India’s growing presence in space exploration.

“India is returning to space, Jai Hind,” Shukla declared ahead of his long-anticipated launch scheduled for Wednesday.

After several postponements, the mission is now ready for lift-off at 2:31 AM EDT (12 noon IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Shukla will fly aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft mounted on the Falcon 9 rocket.

Moments before the mission, Shukla shared his excitement on X, reiterating, “INDIA IS RETURNING TO SPACE, JAI HIND”

In a follow-up post, he confirmed that final preparations were complete.

The post read, “Dragon’s hatch is closed, all communication and suit checks are complete, the seats are rotated, and the Ax-4 crew is ready for launch!”

In a personal message shared on Instagram, Shukla expressed deep gratitude to his wife.

“Special thanks to @kamnashubha for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter,” he wrote, alongside a photo capturing the couple’s emotional farewell through a glass barrier.

Shukla also extended thanks to the team behind the mission for their unwavering support.

The mission, organised by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, features a multinational crew. Moreover, it marks a significant milestone in international commercial spaceflight.

Shukla will, however, serve as the mission’s pilot, under the command of American astronaut Peggy Whitson.

Joining them are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, both onboard as mission specialists.

Upon arrival at the ISS, Shukla will likely undertake innovative research focused on food systems and nutrition in space.

Taking to X, SpaceX posted, “All systems are looking good for Wednesday’s launch of @Axiom_Space’s Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station and weather is 90% favorable for liftoff. Webcast starts at 12:30 a.m. ET.”

Shukla’s onboard research will, however, explore the impact of space radiation and microgravity on edible microalgae. This is a promising, nutrient-dense food source for future deep-space missions.

His flight follows in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, who travelled to space in 1984.

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