New Delhi/Florida: Marking a proud milestone in India’s space journey, the Axiom-4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first ISRO astronaut to reach the ISS.
In a post on X, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the team, saying:
“Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS … waiting to step in for a 14-day sojourn…. as the world watches with excitement and expectation.”
He further credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, stating:
“PM Modi had said it would be a proud moment for India when an Indian steps onto the ISS. Today, that moment is here. The docking was ahead of schedule, and a formal welcome awaits the crew. All instruments aboard were made in India—this is Atmanirbhar Bharat. The benefits of this mission will extend globally—this is Vishwa Bandhu Bharat. And India’s leadership in space—this is Viksit Bharat.”
The Dragon spacecraft docked autonomously at 4:05 pm IST to the Harmony module of the ISS. The crew was welcomed by NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, followed by a safety briefing with the Expedition 73 team.
A Magical Ride to Orbit
Earlier, during a live interaction, Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as mission pilot, described his launch aboard the Dragon capsule Grace as “magical”:
“As I sat in the capsule after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was—just go. When launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You’re pushed back into the seat, and then suddenly, there’s silence. You’re just floating in the vacuum. It’s magical.”
He called the mission a collective achievement:
“It’s not just a personal accomplishment—it belongs to all of us. I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible.”
A Historic Multinational Mission
The Axiom-4 crew includes:
- Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut and mission commander)
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India, ISRO)
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA)
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary, ESA)
Launched on June 25 at noon IST aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the private mission marks a series of firsts:
- First ISRO astronaut on the ISS
- First long-duration Polish and Hungarian astronauts aboard the ISS
- First Dragon capsule “Grace” on its maiden voyage
The astronauts will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments, public outreach, and commercial activities.
India’s Rising Aerospace Aspirations
Union Minister Jitendra Singh noted a surge in interest in aerospace careers among Indian students, citing high demand for ISRO’s summer training programs:
“Thousands apply every year. This growing enthusiasm is a sign that the space sector will define India’s future. What we are witnessing today is the fruit of years of investment, vision, and preparation.”
With India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission on the horizon and growing global collaboration in commercial space ventures, Shubhanshu’s historic voyage reflects India’s bold new role in shaping humanity’s future in space.