“What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years,” says Axiom-4 pilot Shubhanshu Shukla in heartfelt message

IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

In a stirring message from space, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently serving as the pilot of the Axiom-4 Mission, shared his exhilaration and national pride moments after reaching orbit. Speaking to the nation from aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shukla said:

“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you.”

Shukla emphasised that this is not just a personal milestone, but a symbolic leap for the country’s ambitious space goals:

“This journey of mine is not just to the International Space Station, but to launch India’s Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride… Together, let’s initiate India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

Back home in Lucknow, emotions ran high. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said with quiet pride, “We are happy.” His mother, Asha Shukla, wiped away tears as she added, “Everyone is happy. These are tears of joy…”

Tears of joy: Parents of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla get emotional after son lifts off into space

Group Captain Shukla’s journey aboard the Axiom-4 mission marks a historic return of India to human spaceflight after 41 years, igniting hope, pride, and aspirations for a new era in India’s space exploration story.