Eager to become a space superpower, India is sending its 1st astronaut to space in 4 decades
The lead-up to the launch of Axiom Mission 4 was a time of intense preparation at the company’s base in Houston. The crew, made up of astronauts from four different countries, including Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, was eagerly anticipating the historic mission. Shukla, at 39 years old, was set to become the first Indian to go to space in over four decades.
In an interview with CBC News, Shukla expressed his excitement and the significance of the mission for both himself and his country. He described the emotional moment when he first tried on his spacesuit and saw the Indian flag on his shoulder, realizing the magnitude of the event. The mission, a private space flight to the International Space Station, was a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The Axiom Mission 4 had faced delays due to weather and equipment issues, but it was finally set to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The crew, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, would spend two weeks at the ISS conducting experiments. Shukla understood the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he prepared to inspire a generation and represent his country in space.
India’s space program has been rapidly expanding, with investments in private space companies and a growing number of space startups. The country aims to increase its share of the global space market and enhance its space capabilities. The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and plans for a human space flight program demonstrate India’s ambitious goals in space exploration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined further plans for India’s space program, including building a space station and exploring Mars and Venus. The country’s space agency is focused on sending an Indian astronaut to walk on the moon by 2040. These endeavors have the power to inspire future generations and push the country to dream together.
In Mumbai, school children participated in a space outreach program, building mini rockets and learning about India’s space projects. The event aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering and space exploration. The message was clear – while only a few astronauts go to space, there are many more minds and hands working behind the scenes to make it happen.
The launch of Axiom Mission 4 marked a significant milestone for India and its space ambitions. As Shukla and the crew embarked on their journey to the ISS, they carried with them the hopes and dreams of a nation looking towards the stars. India’s space program continues to reach new heights, inspiring future generations to explore the cosmos and push the boundaries of human achievement.
