‘Namaskar From Space…’: India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Sends New Message for Indians From Axiom-4 Ahead of Docking
Indian astronaut Shubhashu Shukla delivered an inspiring message to the nation from thre Dragon spacecraft joined by Axion-4 crewments. In a video posted on X by Axion Space, Shukla alongside astronauts Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibro Kapu Shared a stunning view of Earth from Space while soaring over Europe. “Namaskar from Space” Shukla said in Hindi his voice brimming with excitement. “What an Incredible ride! Sitting in the capsule all i could think was ‘Let’s go! Then, suddenly you’re floating in the silence of space’s vacuum.”
On Thursday, following the successful launch of the Axion-4 mission Shukla shared another message in Hindi marking India’s return to space after 41years. “Namaskar mere deshwasiyon,” he said from the Dragon spacecraft. “We’re orbiting Earth at 7.5 kilometers per second, and I carry the tricolour on my shoulder representing all of you”. He concluded with pride, saying “Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
The Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA, is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, the mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST after delays caused by a liquid oxygen leak and other technical issues initially reported on May 29.
The crew of Axiom-4 have chosen a white baby swan plush toy named "Joy" as the Zero-G indicator for this mission! 🦢
Swan is the vehicle of the Hindu goddess Saraswati and represents wisdom & purity. 🕉
Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla's 6 y/o son Kiash (aka Sid) also played a… pic.twitter.com/5WFlQQBVoP— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 8, 2025
Shukla, who is carrying personal touches to space, shared that he packed mango nectar, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal halwa to enjoy and share with his crewmates aboard the ISS. He also revealed a special tribute to Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, who inspired his childhood dream. Shukla is bringing a memento for Sharma, though he kept its details a secret, saying, “It’ll be a surprise when I return.” Additionally, a small white toy swan named Joy, serving as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator, will float inside the capsule to signal their entry into orbit, marking the moment they leave Earth’s gravity behind.