“Namaskar from Space!”: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares His First Few Hours in Orbit, Says He’s Sleeping Well, Floating with Swan of Wisdom

The Axiom Mission 4 launched successfully at 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, June 25, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

“Namaskar from space!” said Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut aboard Axiom Mission 4, as he sent his first message from orbit, cheerfully announcing that he’s been sleeping well in space, adjusting quickly to microgravity, and embracing every moment of the new challenge.

“Since yesterday, I’ve been told I’m sleeping a lot, which is apparently a good sign,” Shukla laughed, speaking live from the SpaceX Dragon capsule ‘Grace’, currently orbiting Earth at 17,500 mph. “I’m learning like a baby, how to walk, read, move. It’s a whole new world.”

Floating beside him was a soft toy Swan, which he introduced as more than just a zero-gravity indicator, “The Swan is a powerful symbol in Indian culture. It stands for wisdom and the ability to focus on what really matters in an age of distractions.”

Recalling the launch, Shukla said, “When I was sitting in the capsule yesterday, all I could think was let’s go. After 30 days in quarantine, the ride felt amazing, like being pushed back into the seat, and then silence, just floating. What a moment.”

Mother of Shubhanshu Shukla, Asha Shukla says, “Today I am feeling very good because we are now being recognised by our son. Although a child is usually identified by their parents, today we are recognised by our son. We are so proud of this fact… I thank everyone who gives us their best wishes…”

The Axiom Mission 4 launched successfully at 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, June 25, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, is expected to dock with the International Space Station at around 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26.

Shukla serves as the pilot of the mission, alongside mission commander Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut), and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (ESA) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary’s HUNOR program).

The mission faced several delays, first due to weather, then a Falcon 9 fuel leak, and later an issue with the Russian Zvezda module on the ISS. But it now marks a major milestone in India-US space ties.

During their two-week stay, the crew will conduct scientific experiments, outreach activities, and seven joint projects, including five NASA-ISRO science missions and two STEM demos in orbit.

Shukla ended his message with heartfelt thanks, “This is not just a personal achievement. It’s the result of support from my family, ISRO, Axiom, and everyone who made this possible. I’m truly grateful.”

From peaceful sleep in microgravity to symbolic swans and shared smiles, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is not just India’s proud moment, it’s a story the world is watching with awe.

Also Read: Subhanshu Shukla, Pilot of Axiom-4 Loves to Read Horoscopes. Know More Unknown Facts About the 40-year-old Group Captain of Indian Air Force

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