India Celebrates Axiom-4 Launch: Yuvraj Singh Hails Shukla's Historic Spaceflight

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has triggered a wave of national pride in India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh voiced the collective sentiment regarding the historic event.

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla ascended into space, he carried the aspirations of our nation and the resilience of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment that will be etched in our memories for generations to come.”

The Axiom-4 mission symbolizes India's significant return to human spaceflight, marking 41 years since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering venture.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, accompanied by astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing that Shukla embodies the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.

He posted on X: “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!”

The astronauts are slated to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, during which they will conduct over 60 scientific experiments.

Addressing the nation from the spacecraft "Grace", Shukla shared his emotions, stating, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.”

Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian tricolor on his suit, signifying the nation’s unified spirit. He voiced his optimism that the mission would ignite curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indians to explore space.

“This isn’t just my journey -- it’s India’s journey into the future of human spaceflight,” he declared.

Shukla’s mission is already redefining India's role in space exploration.