Ax-4 Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla’s First Words From Space

The Ax-4 crew provided an early update from orbit, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla offering a glimpse into his maiden spaceflight. Speaking from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, the mission pilot reflected on the launch, calling it “magical.” Shukla recounted the experience of being in the capsule and the feeling of weightlessness after launch. He shared that the experience was an amazing one. Shukla emphasized the collective nature of the mission’s success, appreciating the efforts of everyone involved. He mentioned the swan mascot, representing wisdom and grace. The Ax-4 team, which includes astronauts from India, the United States, and the European Union, is scheduled to dock with the ISS. Shukla’s mission is especially notable as it marks a return to space for India after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984. Shukla also sent a message to the nation, expressing pride and inviting people to be part of India’s Human Space Programme. The team will conduct various science experiments on the ISS, including those related to muscle regeneration and the growth of microalgae.