India Hails Axiom-4 Launch: Yuvraj Singh Lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Milestone

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has ignited a surge of national pride in India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh voiced the collective sentiment with an inspiring message.

Yuvraj Singh and Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos)

"As Group Captain Shukla ascended into space, he carried the aspirations of our nation and the fortitude of every Indian who dares to dream ambitiously. This is a moment that will resonate through generations," Singh stated.

This mission signifies India's significant return to human spaceflight, marking 41 years since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering voyage.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida this Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla alongside 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.

“We celebrate the successful launch of the Space Mission, which includes astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is en route to becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. He carries the hopes and dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. We wish him and the other astronauts every success!” He shared on X.

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

Speaking from his spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla emotionally addressed the nation, "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, symbolizing the nation's united spirit. He expressed his hope that the mission would spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indian space explorers.

Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos)

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

Shukla's words resonate across the nation, as his mission is already redefining India's position in space exploration.