Axiom-4 Launch: India Celebrates Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Space Mission, Yuvraj Singh Hails 'Moment for Generations'

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

Yuvraj Singh celebrates Shubhanshu Shukla's journey.

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla journeyed into space, he carried the hopes of our nation, demonstrating the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment that will be remembered for generations."

This mission marks a significant return to human spaceflight for India, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's pioneering voyage.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket 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 posted 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 astronauts are scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, conducting over 60 scientific experiments.

From the spacecraft named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation with emotion, saying, “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 unified spirit of the country. He voiced his hope that this mission would ignite curiosity and inspire a new generation of Indians to delve into space exploration.

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

Shukla’s mission has already begun reshaping India's role in space exploration, his words resonating deeply across the nation.

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