Historic Lift-Off: India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Joins Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others aboard Axiom-4 head to the ISS. The postponed mission features SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft and signifies cooperative efforts by NASA and ISRO. With several educational watch parties organized, this journey marks India's return to space following Rakesh Sharma's historic 1984 mission.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three others, embarked on a momentous journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Their spacecraft, SpaceX's Dragon, launched successfully from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday after multiple delays.

The mission represents a significant moment, marking India's return to the ISS decades after Rakesh Sharma's historic 1984 space journey. The multi-national crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary's Tibor Kapu, embarking on this collaborative mission facilitated by NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO.

The expedition is not only a symbolic return for these nations but also a scientific pursuit, with plans for STEM demonstrations and joint investigations aboard the orbiting laboratory. The mission has fostered enthusiasm across India, with widespread educational initiatives commemorating this landmark event.

(With inputs from agencies.)