In a historic leap for India’s space ambitions, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launched successfully, carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). Marking a significant milestone in India’s space journey, this mission has drawn applause from across the nation—including legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who called it a “proud moment for India.”
🇮🇳 A New Era in Indian Spaceflight
For the first time in over four decades, an Indian citizen has ventured into space. Shukla joins the Ax-4 crew on a 14-day mission to conduct scientific research and microgravity experiments aboard the ISS. The mission is being led by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
The inclusion of an Indian astronaut in this multinational team marks India’s return to human spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984—a moment etched in the country’s collective memory.
Tendulkar: “A Proud Moment for India”
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar expressed his admiration for the feat in a statement shared on social media.
“It’s a proud moment for India to see our very own Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla onboard the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. This is more than a scientific mission—it’s a symbol of our aspirations, talent, and growing presence in the space domain,” said Tendulkar.
He also lauded ISRO, the Indian Air Force, and the broader scientific community for contributing to this landmark achievement.
Mission Highlights
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Mission Name: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
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Crew Members:
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Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA)
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Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India)
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Mission specialists from Hungary and Poland
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Duration: 14 days aboard the ISS
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Objectives: Conducting scientific experiments, including seven key projects from ISRO, related to medicine, biology, and material science in microgravity
This mission is also considered a critical stepping stone toward India’s first independent manned mission under ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, expected in 2027.
National and Global Impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath echoed similar sentiments to Tendulkar, emphasizing the strategic importance of the mission. It highlights India’s capability to collaborate on global space missions while preparing its own astronauts for future independent spaceflight.
The mission serves as both a technological trial and a diplomatic gesture, showcasing India’s potential as a global space partner.
A Symbol of Aspiration
With this launch, India reclaims its place in the domain of human spaceflight, not just as a participant but as a contributor. Tendulkar’s words encapsulate the emotional resonance this event holds for millions of Indians—where cricketing glory meets cosmic ambition.
As Group Captain Shukla orbits hundreds of kilometers above Earth, he carries with him not just the tricolor on his sleeve, but the hopes, dreams, and pride of 1.4 billion citizens.
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