India's Stellar Return: Axiom-4's Trailblazing Space Journey

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla pilots India's return to space after 41 years with the Axiom-4 mission aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The mission marks a significant step in India's Human Space Programme, promising extensive scientific research and symbolizing national pride in India's renewed space ambitions.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla heralded India's triumphant return to space after a 41-year hiatus, as he piloted the Axiom-4 mission launched from Florida on Wednesday. Shukla deemed the launch an 'amazing ride' and a symbolic start to India's human space program, urging citizens to feel a shared pride in this national achievement.

The Axiom-4 mission, which lifted off on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, aims to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) early on Thursday. This mission involves Indian Space Research Organisation's astronaut Shukla, among others, and is set to conduct extensive research during the planned 14-day stay in space.

Joining Shukla are mission specialists from the European Space Agency and Hungary, utilizing advanced spacesuits for enhanced capabilities. The mission will engage in groundbreaking scientific research, expanding on past Axiom missions. NASA and ISRO's collaboration highlights the increasing intersection of scientific exploration and commercial space endeavors.

(With inputs from agencies.)