In a moment that stirred national pride and cosmic wonder, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made his first live call from space following the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Calling the experience “indescribable,” Shukla greeted the nation with a heartfelt “namaskar” and shared his initial impressions of life in microgravity.
“I’m still getting used to zero gravity—like a baby learning how to walk,” Shukla laughed, reflecting on the surreal shift from sky to space. “But I’m really enjoying every moment.”
The astronaut, who is journeying to the International Space Station (ISS) along with an international crew, described the breathtaking view from 418 km above Earth as “beautiful.” He confessed with a chuckle that sleep has come easily in orbit—a side effect of weightlessness, perhaps, or sheer peace in the vast silence of space.
More than a personal milestone, Shukla emphasised the broader significance of the mission. “This is a strong step forward for India’s human space program and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission,” he said, urging Indians to see themselves as co-travellers in this journey. “Seeing the Indian tricolour reminded me that all of you are with me on this journey.”
The launch, executed flawlessly from Kennedy Space Centre, marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. Shukla’s presence aboard Axiom’s multi-national mission not only underscores India’s rising prowess in space exploration but also symbolises its collaborative future among the stars.
Over the next 14 days, Shukla will carry out crucial scientific tasks, document his experiences, and continue bridging space and Earth through shared stories—one “namaskar” at a time.
