India meant on Wednesday a significant return to a human space flight when Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronautt to achieve the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after the historical mission of Rrakesh Sharma.
Shukla is part of the fourth private mission Spaceflight Axiom Space, which was launched on board SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket from Kennedy Space Centers NASA in Florida.
The Axiom-4 missions, which also include veteran astronaut and commander of Peggy Whitson, Polish Slawosz Polni-Wisniewski and Hungarian Tibor Hood, got up at 12:01 hours to upset all over the world. Among the most emotional scenes were scenes on Montessori School City in Lucknow, where proud parents and school community shuly watched live start with tearful eyes and hopeful heart.
About ten minutes after starting, Dragon She successfully entered orbit, circling the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometers per second and above the altitude of 200 kilometers.
“It was a great ride,” said Shukla from space, shortly after a spacecraft in a stable orbit was confirmed. When he spoke in Hindi, he added: “Namascar, my dear compatriots; we reached space within 41 years.”
“It’s not just my way to the ISS, but the beginning of the Indian path of the human space flight,” Shukla said, dressed a flight suit decorated with Indian tricolor. “I hope every citizen will join when we start this new chapter.”
The spacecraft of the mission, named Grace, is scheduled for dock with ISS around 16:30 on Thursday after a 28 -hour journey. Once on board, astronauts spend 14 days performing more than 60 scientific experiments focused on human physiology, cosmic technology and Earth observation.
The crew also nodded to cultural pride also brought traditional meals from its home countries. Shukla will share Indian curry and rice, paired with mango nectar, while his colleagues brought Hungarian peppers and Polish pierogies.
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The Shukla, who spoke before the mission, said he focused on “ignition of curiosity of the whole generation” and inspired innovations at home. “Although I can be one individual who travels to space, this journey belongs to all 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.
The flight again revived national pride and public interest in Indian space ambitions, while the field events were planned throughout the Shhules on board the ISS. It is also expected to be involved in a live interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modim during the mission.
Axiom-4 missions are a symbolic and scientific milestone not only for India, but also for Poland and Hungary, and each nation has been sending representatives to space for decades. It also strengthens international cooperation in the universe survey and emphasizes the growing role of a commercial space flight to enable diverse participation in orbital missions.
When India is looking forward to its indigenous Gaganyaan mission, Shukla’s Voyage offers a strong reminder of how far the country came from the Milesto route Rrakesh Sharma in 1984 and the space options that lie ahead.
(Tagstotranslate) India
