**India Celebrates Its First Astronaut in Space After 41 Years**

**In a landmark achievement, India rejoices as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on the Axiom-4 mission, marking the country's return to space exploration after over four decades.**

Jubilant celebrations erupted across India following the successful launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, which marks a significant milestone with the inclusion of an Indian astronaut onboard. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is now the second Indian ever to venture into space, set to become the first to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) when the spacecraft arrives after approximately 26 hours. This momentous journey follows the historic flight of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, who soared to space in 1984.

The Ax-4 mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is helmed by renowned former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. Whitson has an extensive track record in space, having commanded the ISS on two occasions and accumulating over 675 days in orbit, along with conducting ten spacewalks. In addition to Shukla, the mission's diverse crew includes astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both of whom are also returning to space after decades.

India's space agency, ISRO, has noted the immense significance of Shukla’s journey, anticipating that his experience will greatly enhance India's ongoing efforts in space. Shukla, who was chosen from a pool of candidates, will ultimately participate in India’s inaugural human spaceflight anticipated for 2027, alongside a broader goal of establishing a space station by 2035 and aiming for lunar exploration by 2040.

Securing a seat on the Ax-4 mission involved an investment of 5 billion rupees (approximately $59 million), a testament to India's growing capabilities. As the launch ascended, Shukla conveyed his excitement to the nation, stating, "We're back in space after 41 years," and proudly carried the Indian flag, symbolizing the hopes of a billion people.

Amidst national pride, celebrations were palpable in Shukla's hometown of Lucknow, where his family and local students gathered to witness the launch, greeted by jubilant applause. Born on October 10, 1985, Shukla became an Indian Air Force fighter pilot in 2006 and has accrued over 2,000 hours of flight experience.

As part of his mission, Shukla will engage in a variety of scientific experiments during his two-week stay aboard the ISS. The crew will undertake 60 experiments, with seven designed by ISRO, covering various fields including biology, agriculture, and microgravity phenomena. Notable studies aim to explore the effects of microgravity on crop seed viability and the growth of microalgae, which could have significant applications for food, fuel, and life support.

The Ax-4 mission underscores India's ambitious aspirations in space exploration and science, as the nation revitalizes its journey into the cosmos with renewed vigor and global collaboration.