Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday congratulated Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is serving as the pilot on board the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS).
In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister called it a “proud moment for India” and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enabling India’s participation in the international space mission.
“Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India’s participation in this international space mission showcases our unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and global collaboration,” Yogi said.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew — including Shukla — lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday afternoon (IST). The crew includes commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, along with mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
The spacecraft is expected to dock with the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module at around 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. NASA flight engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will oversee the automated approach and docking process.
Once aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 astronauts will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 crew and will undergo safety protocols before beginning their scientific, commercial, and outreach activities over the two-week mission.
For Shukla, the mission marks a historic return of an Indian Air Force officer to space after more than four decades. The last IAF officer to travel to space was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in April 1984.
From aboard the Dragon capsule, Shukla addressed the nation in a recorded message. “We are back in space once again after 41 years,” he said. “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I am with you all… This journey of mine is not just a beginning to the International Space Station but to India’s Human Space Programme.”
“Your chest, too, should swell with pride,” he added, signing off with “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
IANS