India Celebrates Return to Space: Axiom-4 Mission Launches Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS, Yuvraj Singh Hails Historic Feat

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has filled India with immense pride. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh has voiced the national sentiment, celebrating Shubhanshu Shukla's historic achievement.

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

Singh remarked, "As Group Captain Shukla lifted off into space, he carried with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we’ll remember for generations."

This mission signifies India's return to human spaceflight after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma's pioneering journey.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing that Shukla embodies the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He shared his message on X, wishing Shukla and the other astronauts success.

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

Speaking from the spacecraft "Grace", Shukla addressed the nation, expressing his emotion and acknowledging the significance of this mission after 41 years.

Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian tricolour on his suit, embodying the nation's collective spirit. He expressed his hope that this mission will inspire a new generation of Indians to explore the cosmos.

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

Shukla’s mission has already begun to redefine India's role in space exploration, with his words resonating throughout the country.