The Shukla household in Lucknow erupted in cheers and tears of joy today as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS). The successful docking marks a historic moment for India, as Shubhanshu becomes the first Indian to enter the ISS and the second Indian to journey to space, four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's voyage in 1984.
"This is a matter of great pride," exclaimed Asha Shukla, Shubhanshu's mother. "This is good for everyone. We are delighted...We prayed every day. This feels great. We pray to God that may they perform their duty well and return to Earth safely. The credit goes just to my child and his hard work and dedication - only this has taken him to these heights." Her words encapsulated the immense pride and relief felt by the entire family.
Dayal Shukla, Shubhanshu’s father, echoed his wife’s sentiments, expressing immense pride in his son's achievement. The family had eagerly awaited the docking, their anticipation building since the launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida a day prior. They watched the live broadcast, their hearts pounding with each maneuver of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Grace.
The journey to this momentous occasion was not without its emotional moments. Hours before his historic lift-off, Shubhanshu connected with his family via video call, reassuring them with a simple message: "Just wait for me, I'm coming." His mother performed a traditional Indian ritual, virtually feeding him "dahi cheeni" (yoghurt and sugar), believed to bring good luck before embarking on an important endeavor.
Shubhanshu, serving Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, is not only representing his nation but also ushering in a new era of space exploration. The Ax-4 mission symbolizes the growing role of private firms in shaping access to low-Earth orbit. This mission, with NASA's blessing and SpaceX's Dragon at the helm, represents a fusion of established expertise and ambitious new ventures, signifying the evolving landscape where space companies are forging partnerships across borders.
The docking procedure itself was a carefully orchestrated sequence. The Dragon spacecraft initiated the "approach phase," firing its engines to move closer to the ISS, positioned approximately 2.5 kilometers below and 7 kilometers behind the station. Grace executed a series of precisely timed orbit-raising maneuvers to align with the ISS after its launch on June 25th. The 28-hour journey through space is typical for Dragon missions. The docking occurred approximately 28 hours after launch around 4:45 PM IST. Soft docking was achieved around 4:02 PM IST, and the overall docking procedure was completed at 4:16 PM IST. The Dragon spacecraft autonomously docked to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.
Flying at a staggering speed of over 17,000 kph at an altitude of 418 km above Earth, the Ax-4 crew, including mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, Tibor Kapu of Hungary, and commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, prepared for the historic docking. Following the successful docking, the crew began taking off their spacesuits in preparation for entering the space station. The hatch opening is scheduled for 6:10 PM IST.
For India, Shubhanshu's flight signifies a step forward in human spaceflight. While Gaganyaan, the country's maiden crewed mission, is still under preparation, Shukla's flight underscores the increasing opportunities for Indian astronauts to participate in international platforms, gaining valuable training, experience, and strengthening capabilities in advance of indigenous launches. Shubhanshu's 14-day mission aboard the ISS will involve various scientific experiments and research activities.
As Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on this extraordinary voyage, his family's pride resonates throughout the nation. His journey is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the boundless possibilities of human endeavor.
