(Image source from: x.com/SpaceX)

In a moment of national pride, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla delivered a powerful message from space: "Orbiting the Earth. This is the start of India's human space program. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat." This historic communication came shortly after the Axiom-4 mission successfully entered Earth orbit, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. The last Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Message From Space:

Speaking from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Endurance", Shukla addressed the nation with emotion and pride:

“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga on my shoulders tells me I am with all of you. This is not just a journey to the ISS, but the beginning of India's Human Space Programme. Be part of this journey. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

A Historic Launch:

The mission lifted off at 12:01 pm IST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew includes:
Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
Peggy Whitson (USA, Mission Commander)
Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)
Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

The Axiom-4 mission is operated by Axiom Space, a Houston-based company, and is the first commercial mission to carry an Indian astronaut to space.

Challenges Before Liftoff:

The launch faced multiple delays, with a critical issue involving wind data upload nearly halting the mission. Engineers fixed it just one minute before the final countdown crossed the go/no-go stage at T-minus 35 minutes.

The Dragon spacecraft "Endurance" is currently on its maiden voyage. It is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) at 4:30 pm IST tomorrow after completing orbital phasing procedures. India’s human space journey has officially begun. Shubhanshu Shukla’s words have reignited national pride, setting the stage for a new space era for Bharat.