“Axiom-4 Mission heralds India’s
ascent to Viksit Bharat". This was the instant reaction of Union Minister
Dr Jitendra Singh, as he led the cheering audience in giving a standing ovation
to Shubhanshu Shukla and other three astronauts when the real-time visuals of
successful Axiom 4 launch flashed during the special live screening of the
event at Bhatnagar Auditorium of Anusandhan Bhavan, on 25 June 2025.
In a historic and proud moment
for India, the launch of the Axiom-4 Mission marked a giant leap in the
country’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. Indian astronaut Group
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the Mission Pilot, was part of a four member
international crew heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
Dr
Jitendra Singh stated, “This is the realisation of the dream of the founding
father of India’s Space programme, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan—now
being fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Inside
the Dragon spacecraft enroute the ISS (Photo: SpaceX)
Highlighting
India’s contribution to the mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that Group
Captain Shukla was carrying indigenously developed experiment kits, created by
leading Indian institutions like IITs, IISc and the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT). These kits were used to conduct advanced experiments at the ISS. “The
biotech experiments aim to study the effects of microgravity and cosmic
radiation on the growth of edible microalgae—a nutrient-dense, sustainable food
source rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds, ideal for long duration
space missions,” the Minister stated.
These
studies are expected to significantly contribute to future deep space missions
and the long term sustainability of human presence in space, including India's
much awaited Gaganyaan mission.
The
Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with
the International
Space Station (ISS) on 26 June
at around 7 am EDT, i.e. 4.30 pm IST.
Falcon 9 before liftoff (Photo:
SpaceX)
An ecstatic IAF
statement on 25 June 2025: “From conquering the skies to touching the stars— a
journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior. Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of
the nation beyond Earth. This is a deja-vu moment for India, 41 years after the
mission of Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, who first carried our Tricolour beyond Earth.
Being more than a mission, it is reaffirmation of India’s ever expanding horizon.
Gp
Capt Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the ISS (International
Space Station), piloting the historic Axiom Mission 4”.
Falcon 9 lands at LZ-1 after launching Axiom Space’s fourth
mission to the ISS (Photo SpaceX)
India’s Prime Minister N. Modi: “We
welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from
India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International
Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4
billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!”
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence
Staff: “All Personnel of the Indian Armed Forces
wish him and the Axiom-4 crew a safe and successful mission to the
International Space Station for a 14 day scientific mission in Low Earth Orbit
(LEO)”.
41
years ago after the mission of Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space;
extensively covered in our Vayu Issue 2 Mar/Apr 1984 and subsequent issues as
well.