Axiom-4 Launch: Yuvraj Singh Lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Spaceflight, a 'Moment for Generations'

Saturday - 12/07/2025 03:30
India celebrates the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission, marking its return to human spaceflight after 41 years. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carries the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians to the International Space Station. Prime Minister Modi and former cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressed national pride.

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has sparked immense pride throughout India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressed the nation's sentiment in a moving tribute to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic spaceflight.

Yuvraj Singh celebrates Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission.

Yuvraj Singh and Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos)

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla lifted off into space, he carried with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we’ll remember for generations.”

This mission signifies India's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus, since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering journey.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, 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 aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He shared 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 crew is scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, where they will conduct over 60 scientific experiments.

Speaking from the spacecraft "Grace," Shukla addressed the nation, saying, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.”

Traveling at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian tricolor on his suit, symbolizing the nation's collective spirit. He voiced his hope that the mission would inspire curiosity and encourage a new generation of Indians to pursue space exploration.

Emotional farewell for Indian astronaut heading to ISS.

Emotional farewell for Indian astronaut heading to ISS

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

Shukla's mission is already reshaping India's role in space exploration, with his words resonating across the country.

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