Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian Air Force Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on his participation in the prestigious Axiom-4 space mission.
Group Captain Shri Shukla’s involvement marks a significant milestone for India in global space exploration and is a testament to the exemplary standards of the Indian Air Force.
“Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on being part of the prestigious Axiom-4 space mission. His participation marks a proud milestone for the nation and reflects the excellence, discipline, and commitment of the Indian Air Force,” stated Chief Minister Shri Majhi. He further added, “As India strengthens its presence in global space exploration, this achievement will inspire countless young minds across the country. Wishing him and the entire mission team a safe and successful journey.”
Group Captain Shukla, who is also one of the four astronaut candidates for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, made history by becoming the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian to venture into space in 40 years, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.
The Axiom-4 mission, a private astronaut mission to the ISS, lifted off today from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Group Captain Shri Shukla is serving as the mission pilot alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
This mission is particularly significant for India as it provides a valuable opportunity for an Indian astronaut to gain firsthand experience in long-duration spaceflight and conduct experiments developed by ISRO and Indian institutions. Group Captain Shukla is slated to perform seven India-specific scientific experiments on the ISS, focusing on areas like microgravity research, Earth observation, and life sciences, contributing directly to India’s burgeoning human spaceflight program.
The successful launch of Axiom-4 underscores India’s growing capabilities and collaborative spirit in the global space arena, setting a powerful precedent for future generations aspiring to reach for the stars. The nation watches with immense pride and anticipation as Group Captain Shri Shukla embarks on this historic journey.