Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: In his first comments from the ISS, Shukla expresses that it’s a ‘privilege’ to be in space.

Axiom Mission 4 Launch LIVE: In his first comments from the ISS, Shukla expresses that it’s a ‘privilege’ to be in space.

After several delays since its initial launch date of May 29, the Axiom-4 finally took off on Wednesday at noon (IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Spearheaded by Axiom Space, this international human spaceflight marks a significant milestone as it carries the first Indian to space in 41 years. Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where he’ll be conducting experiments on behalf of India.

The mission is led by seasoned NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who is joined by Shukla and European mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary for their journey to the ISS. LIVE UPDATES: Axiom Mission 4 launch 8:00 PM: The ISRO team observed the docking from NASA's center in Houston. In a post on X, the Indian Space Research Organisation shared, “Team ISRO, led by the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, witnessed this historic moment from the Mission Control Room at @NASA_Johnson, Houston.” They also extended their congratulations to NASA, Axiom, SpaceX, and all the international partners involved.

7:20 PM: Shukla shares a heartfelt message in Hindi from the ISS "Hello to my fellow countrymen! Thanks to your love and support, I’ve made it to the International Space Station. It might look easy to stand here, but let me tell you, it’s a bit tricky. My head feels a little heavy, and I’m not entirely comfortable just yet. But these are just minor hiccups, and in a few days, we’ll get the hang of it. This is just the beginning of our journey, and over the next 14 days, we’ll be conducting science experiments and chatting with all of you. This moment is a clear sign that we’re making progress in our own space adventure. I spoke to you earlier when I was on the Dragon, and I’ll keep the conversations going in the days ahead. Let’s make this journey enjoyable! I’m really excited—the tiranga on my shoulder represents that you’re all with me… Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” 7:10 PM: ‘11 astronauts, 6 nations—this represents international cooperation’ The welcome ceremony aboard the International Space Station kicks off with Japanese astronaut and Expedition 73 commander Takuya Onishi. With the arrival of the Axiom Mission 4 crew, he notes that there are now 11 astronauts from six different countries at the station. They’ll be working together to “advance human space exploration and scientific research,” which he emphasizes as a true symbol of international cooperation. Axiom Mission 4 commander Peggy Whitson expresses her gratitude to the ISS crew for their warm welcome. She then leads the welcome ceremony, presenting the “rookie” astronauts with their pins. India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, the pilot, along with European mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, are proudly representing their countries on the ISS for the very first time. In his initial remarks on board, Shukla humorously refers to himself as the 634th astronaut in space. He shares that it’s a “privilege” to be here and to be among the select few who get to see Earth from such a unique perspective. “I’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment in space,” he says, adding that his expectations have truly been exceeded.

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