‘We are back in space once again after 41 years’: IAF Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla Sends First Message from Orbit

India is back in space—and it’s a big deal.

Onboard the Axiom-4 mission, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared an emotional message just moments after reaching orbit. From inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, his words gave goosebumps to millions back home.

“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years,” said Shukla, smiling from space.

The Axiom-4 mission isn’t just about science and satellites. It’s about heart. It’s about history. And it’s about India’s future in space.

“The Tiranga Is With Me”

As the Dragon capsule soared around Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla reminded India that he wasn’t alone in orbit.

“The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you.”

This mission, he said, was not just for him. It was a step forward for India’s Human Space Programme, the dream to send Indians to space not just as passengers—but as pioneers.

“Let your chest swell with pride,” he urged. “Let’s do this together. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

Back Home, Tears of Joy in Lucknow

In Lucknow, Shukla’s family watched his message with pride and emotion.

His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, “We are happy.” His mother, Asha Shukla, was in tears. “These are tears of joy,” she said, overwhelmed.

Why This Matters for India

India’s last human spaceflight was in 1984, when Rakesh Sharma went to space. It took 41 years for another Indian to return. But this time, it’s part of a bigger plan.

The Axiom-4 mission is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space, in partnership with NASA and SpaceX. This sets the stage for India to gear up for future missions—possibly even to the Moon or Mars someday.

The mission adds momentum to India’s space ambitions, especially following the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan preparations.