JUNE 25: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the successful launch of an international space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States. In a significant milestone for India’s space journey, the mission includes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is on his way to becoming the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed pride in the achievement, noting the significance of the event not just for India, but for global cooperation in space exploration. “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 the 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 Prime Minister wrote.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an accomplished pilot from the Indian Air Force, was selected for the mission after a rigorous training process in collaboration with international space agencies. His journey to the ISS marks a major milestone in India’s growing participation in manned spaceflight and international scientific cooperation.
The mission is being viewed as a testament to the increasing role of India in global space exploration efforts. It also highlights the success of India’s growing collaboration with international space partners, following key initiatives under ISRO and Gaganyaan, the country’s maiden human spaceflight program.
This space mission is expected to conduct scientific experiments and research aboard the ISS, focusing on areas such as life sciences, material science, and space medicine. Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS will not only contribute to these scientific objectives but also pave the way for future Indian missions to low Earth orbit and beyond.
The launch was met with widespread celebration across the country, with many hailing it as a proud moment for India and a powerful symbol of its scientific and technological progress.
As the spacecraft continues its journey to dock with the ISS, the nation eagerly awaits further updates on Shukla’s historic mission, marking a new chapter in India’s space odyssey.
