Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday evening (India time), after the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the orbiting laboratory. Shukla, accompanied by three other astronauts, floated into the ISS to a warm welcome from the crew already aboard.

The astronaut is set to spend the next 14 days conducting scientific experiments and leading outreach initiatives. Describing the journey as a “wonderful ride,” Shukla expressed his awe and gratitude in his first remarks from space.

ALSO READ

“It is a privelege to be among the few who have got a chance to see the earth from a vantage point,” he said, adding that the experience had surpassed his expectations, both in terms of the breathtaking view and the hospitality of his fellow astronauts. “I am very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing — as you said — advancing science and research and working together. Thank you so much,” he said.

Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, a spaceflight veteran now on her fifth mission, officially designated Shukla as astronaut number 634 by presenting him with his pin. “The best part about being a commander on a mission with all rookies is you get to watch the rookies go through it for the first time. It helps you remember some of the things you went through the first time and it is also special to get to relive the experience through these guys,” Whitson shared before handing over the pin.

ALSO READ

Shukla delivered his remarks in English and then followed up with a heartfelt message in Hindi for people back home in India.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s first words from the ISS

“Thank you Peggy (Whitson, the mission commander). I am number [Astronaut Number] 634, that’s a privelege (laughs). But, to be fair, it is a privelege to be among the few who have got a chance to see the earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now.

“It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great. I was looking forward to come to space. It is something to look forward to. But the minute I entered the International Space Station… this crew (points at the Expedition-73 crew already aboard the ISS) made me feel so welcome. You literally opened the doors to your house for us. It was fantastic. I feel even better.

“Whatever expectations I had before coming here were surpassed by the view, of course — that’s a big part of it — but you guys as well. So, thank you so much.

“This was fantastic. This was wonderful and I am very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing — as you said — advancing science and research and working together. Thank you so much.”

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Hindi message to the nation

Shukla then picked up the mic again to speak to Indians in Hindi, sharing a candid reflection on the moment and the journey ahead.

“A small message for my beloved countryfolk. Thanks to your love and blessings, I safely reached the International Space Station. Standing here appears easy but it is a bit difficult.

“My head is a bit heavy, there is a bit of difficulty. But these are small matters and within a few days we will get used to this. This is the first step on this journey. We will conduct many science experiments and talk to you people from here over the next 14 days. But this is also a step in our own space journey.

ALSO READ

“I talked to you some time back when I was inside the (Crew) Dragon [spacecraft] and I will keep talking. Let’s make this journey very exciting, let’s take part in it with great gusto.

“I am very excited. I believe all of you are with me as I carry the tiranga (tricolour) on my shoulder. I believe that all of you are excited along with me. I feel the next 14 days will be very exciting. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.”

As Shukla settles into his role aboard the ISS, his presence marks a proud milestone for India’s expanding participation in global space exploration.