New Delhi: In his first call from space, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla called his journey into the space as an ‘indescribable’ experience. Reflecting on Wednesday’s launch, he first greeted with a “namaskar” from space. Shukla said he is getting used to zero gravity.
“I’m still getting used to zero gravity — like a baby learning how to walk, figuring out how to move and control myself. But I’m really enjoying every moment,” he said.
WATCH his live call here:
Anyone who smiled while watching this video is my friend without introduction.
Inflight update from group captain, Shubhanshu Shukla.pic.twitter.com/FTGb6s8wG0
— Sanket (@Marswalkerr) June 26, 2025
“But I’m really enjoying every moment,” he said, breaking into laughter. He revealed that he has been “sleeping a lot.”
Shukla also said that this mission was “a strong step forward for India’s human space program and for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.”
“Seeing the Indian tricolour reminded me that all of you are with me on this journey. This is a strong step forward for India’s human space program and for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. I want each one of you to feel like a part of this mission. It’s not just about technical ambition — it’s about the spirit and purpose behind the entire journey. Over the next 14 days, I aim to complete key tasks and capture my experiences, so I can share them with you all,” Shukla added.
Shukla shared the view from the spacecraft. According to reports, the spacecraft is currently 418 km above the Earth. He described the view as “beautiful.”
Shukla was on Wednesday headed to the International Space Station (ISS). This will mark India’s return to human spaceflight after a gap of 41 years following a successful launch of the Axiom Space mission in the US with a four-member multi-country crew.
After multiple delays, Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch vehicle with Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon-9 rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 pm (IST). It is carrying mission pilot Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force(IAF), former NASA astronaut Commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Tibor Kapu of Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland.
