Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey is proud milestone for India inspiration to youth Siddaramaiah

    Bengaluru, Jun 25 (PTI) Wishing Axiom-4 a safe and successful mission to the International Space Station, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey is a proud milestone for India and an inspiration to the country's youth.
    India's Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by embarking on a space odyssey along with three others to the International Space Station as part of a commercial mission by Axiom Space on Wednesday, 41 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma's spaceflight onboard a Russian spacecraft.
    "Delighted to see Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla soar into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. His journey is a proud milestone for India and an inspiration to our youth," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'.
    "Wishing him and the Ax-4 team a safe and successful mission!" he added.
    SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 pm IST carrying the astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission towards the ISS.
    Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar termed it a proud moment for India.
    "After 41 years, the Tricolour returns to space. Heartiest congratulations to Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, Mission Pilot of Axiom Mission 4, as he soars off to the International Space Station," he said.
    "Your (Shukla) journey is not just a personal milestone - it's a moment of pride for every Indian. Wishing you a safe, successful mission and a glorious return. Jai Hind!" Shivakumar posted on 'X'.
    State BJP President B Y VIjayendra congratulating Shukla termed it a "historic milestone."
    "After 41 years, you carry forward the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, igniting new dreams for India's future in space. This landmark participation reflects India's growing stature in global scientific collaboration, driven by the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji and our relentless pursuit of innovation," he said.
    "Wishing you and the entire crew a safe mission, pathbreaking discoveries and a triumphant journey ahead. Jai Hind!" the BJP leader posted on 'X'.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)