PM Modi & India’s First Astronaut: Shubhanshu Shukla Call
India celebrates a historic moment as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut too reach the International Space Station (ISS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Shukla on his remarkable achievement during a Saturday call, highlighting the national pride and the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Shukla, successfully docked on June 26. Shukla,the mission pilot,is set to conduct critical scientific experiments over the next two weeks,furthering India’s space exploration. Shukla’s experience includes a “magical” launch and the privilege of seeing Earth from space. This is an vital update from News Directory 3. The Dragon spacecraft docked ahead of schedule. Discover what’s next as India continues its journey into the cosmos.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu shukla Reaches International Space Station
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian astronaut to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS). He is part of the Axiom-4 mission, which successfully docked with the ISS on June 26. The mission includes three other crew members.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Shukla on Saturday,congratulating him on this achievement. The Prime minister’s Office shared the interaction on X,noting Shukla’s role as Mission Pilot. He is only the second Indian to travel to space, but the first to reach the ISS.
Following the Axiom-4 mission’s launch, Modi praised the international collaboration. “He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi said.
Shukla described the launch as “magical.” He recounted the experience of being pushed back into his seat and then the sudden silence of floating in space. “I am thrilled to be hear with my fellow astronauts – what a ride it was,” Shukla said.
The Dragon spacecraft, carrying the ax-4 crew, docked ahead of schedule. The seven members of Expedition 73 welcomed the new arrivals with a safety briefing. The Ax-4 team includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson,Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland,and Tibor kapu of Hungary.
Upon arrival at the ISS, Shukla expressed his gratitude. “It is indeed a privilege to be amongst the few who have got the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point,” he said. He also praised the Expedition 73 crew for their warm welcome.
Shukla also shared a message for the people of India. “It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges of space travel but expressed excitement for the upcoming scientific experiments.
“The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me,” Shukla added, highlighting the emotional connection to his homeland.
What’s next
Over the next two weeks, the astronauts will conduct scientific experiments, participate in educational outreach, and engage in commercial activities. Shukla is set to lead several experiments as part of India’s collaboration on the Axiom Mission 4, furthering India’s space exploration efforts.