India's cosmic journey got a new hero: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reached the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 27, 2025 Arrow Image Credit | @IndiaInSky | X

Shukla docked at the ISS at 4:01 PM IST, making history as the first Indian ever to enter the orbiting space lab.

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Greeted with hugs and a ‘welcome drink,’ Shukla joined 10 other astronauts for a joint dinner aboard the ISS.

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He shared a short speech, calling it a proud moment and promising focused work over the 14-day mission.

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The IAF pilot underwent mandatory safety briefing and spent his first night sleeping in zero gravity.

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He began his first full day with two hours for space ablutions before diving into a packed 12.5-hour schedule.

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Shukla conducted key scientific experiments and exercised in the ISS gym to maintain physical health in microgravity.

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He likely visited the iconic cupola to view Earth—just as Rakesh Sharma once did—witnessing 16 sunsets a day.

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Though he experienced some space sickness, Shukla powered through—symbolizing India’s next leap in space ambition.

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This Axiom-4 mission marks not just a milestone for Shukla—but a giant step for India's spacefaring future.

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