New Delhi: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history on Wednesday by embarking on a landmark journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to travel to the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
The Axiom Space commercial mission, delayed several times, finally lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre (KSC) in Florida at 12:01 PM IST, to thunderous cheers from audiences around the world. In India, watch parties erupted in joy—most notably at Shukla’s alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, where his parents and hundreds of students witnessed the live launch.
Alongside Shukla, the Axiom-4 crew includes NASA veteran astronaut and mission commander Dr. Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission marks the return of astronauts from all three nations—India, Poland, and Hungary—to space.
The 39-year-old Shukla, born in Lucknow in 1985, completed his schooling at CMS Aliganj before graduating from the National Defence Academy and being commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006. A highly skilled pilot with over 2,000 hours on elite combat aircraft, he was selected for India’s Gaganyaan programme in 2019, and later chosen for this international spaceflight.
At CMS Kanpur Road’s World Unity Convention Centre, emotions ran high. There were spontaneous celebrations, bhangra, and tears of pride as the rocket took flight. Shukla’s parents, Shambhu and Asha Shukla, were overwhelmed with emotion.
“It’s a great moment not just for us, but for the country. I’m struggling to find words,” his father told PTI.
“Though I want him back soon, I know he will make India proud,” added his mother.
The school community paid homage to their alumnus with ‘Vyomotsav’, a special event featuring a live AXIOM mission broadcast, a replica of the ISS Cupola module, telescope viewings, a “Defy Gravity” photo booth, and a simulated Mission Control Centre—transforming the campus into a mini space hub.
Shukla’s 14-day mission on the ISS will focus on microgravity research, with experiments in human physiology, seed germination, and nutrition in space, contributing to global scientific knowledge.
CMS Founder-Director Dr. Bharti Gandhi stated,
“Many CMS students have made us proud, but Shubhanshu’s space journey is a shining beacon for every Indian child.”
CMS President Geeta Gandhi Kingdon added,
“Though their rocket is yet to reach space, we are already over the moon!”
As India rejoices in this historic achievement, Rakesh Sharma, the country’s first astronaut, sent a heartfelt video message:
“Greetings from India… Have a fun time, guys.”
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock at the ISS by 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26, according to NASA.
This mission not only celebrates India’s growing role in global space exploration but also inspires a new generation to dream beyond the skies.
