Incredible trip, India looks fearless from space: Shukla on return eve

Even today, India looks “sare jahan se accha” from space, said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Sunday, as the Axiom-4 mission crew prepares to bid farewell to the International Space Station (ISS).

In his emotional farewell address from the ISS, Shukla described the two-and-a-half-week journey as “incredible”, and reflected on how today’s India appears from orbit — “ambitious, fearless, confident and proud”.

Recalling Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, Shukla said, “Forty-one years ago, an Indian went to space and shared how India looked from there. We all want to know how India looks today. Today’s India looks ambitious from space, fearless, confident and proud. I can say that even today, India is sare jahan se accha.”

Shukla, the mission pilot, said the Axiom-4 experience exemplified what humanity can achieve when nations come together to pursue a shared goal.

“It has been an incredible journey. I did not imagine all this when I launched on Falcon 9 on June 25. What made it truly remarkable were the people involved — scientists, engineers and teams behind the scenes,” he said.

Aam ras, shrimp cocktails for feast

Astronauts gathered for a feast with a diverse menu from the six nations they represent. Currently, there are 11 astronauts on the ISS. For appetisers, the astronauts made rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers and the main course featured savoury chicken and beef fajitas. The cosmonauts capped the night with a delicious cake made from sweet bread, condensed milk and walnuts. Shukla had got ‘aam ras’ and carrot halwa for the feast, while Polish astronaut Slawosz had brought his native dish, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, to the ISS.

“Over the past two-and-a-half weeks, we have conducted multiple science experiments, engaged in outreach activities and gazed back at Earth whenever we could. It always felt magical. I thank my country and all its citizens for supporting this mission and me with all their hearts. I also thank ISRO for making this happen, and all my colleagues there who worked tirelessly on protocols, science and outreach,” Shukla said, adding that the mission’s impact would go well beyond science.

“I carry with me many memories and lessons that I will try to share back home. What stays with me most is what humanity can achieve when we come together for a common purpose,” he added.

In a message to India, Shukla said while the Axiom-4 mission was ending, the country’s journey into human spaceflight was just beginning.

“It will be long and tough,” he said, “but I would say if we have decided, even the stars are attainable”.

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