Marking a proud and historic moment for India, Lucknow-born astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was successfully launched into space today at 12:01 PM IST as part of NASA and SpaceX’s joint Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The mission lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon capsule into orbit.
Shukla, serving as the mission’s pilot, is among four astronauts onboard. The Ax-4 mission is led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. The Dragon capsule, designed to carry both crew and cargo, is now en route to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission is particularly significant for India, as Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to enter space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. His journey symbolizes India's renewed presence in human spaceflight and its growing global stature in the space sector.
Originally delayed due to booster-related technical issues, the Falcon 9 rocket was finally launched successfully today after several setbacks. The launch not only marks a triumph for the international space community but also brings immense pride to India, with Shukla playing a key role in this landmark mission. The Axiom-4 mission is part of an ongoing effort to expand commercial space exploration, and Shukla’s participation is being celebrated as a giant leap forward for Indian representation in global space endeavors.