New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with ISRO Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla on the International Space Station (ISS). The interaction was conducted in Hindi, and is translated here. PM Modi said, “Shubhanshu, namaskaar, you are now the farthest from the motherland, but closest to the hearts of all Indians. Right now, the two of us are speaking, but the thoughts of 140 crore Indians are with me. The excitement and enthusiasm of Indians is present in my voice. For flying the flag of India in space, I give you hearty congratulations and best wishes. I will not take much time, I first want to ask you if everything is fine there? Are you feeling well?”
Shukla responded, “Yes Prime Minister, Many thanks for your best wishes, and the wishes of 140 crore of my fellow countrymen. I am fine and healthy because of all your love and blessings. I am feeling very good, this is a novel experience, and somewhere or the other a lot of things are happening that demonstrate the direction in which me, the people of the nation and the country is headed in. This journey of mine, from the Earth to orbit is not mine alone, but of the entire country. When I was young, I could never even think that I would become an astronaut. But I feel that under your leadership, such opportunities are available in our country, and realise those dreams. This is a very big achievement for me, and I am very proud that I am able to represent my country here.”
The Axiom 4 mission
The Axiom 4 mission lifted off in a brand new SpaceX Dragon from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on 25 June, reaching the orbital complex a day later. Shukla then became the first Indian to float into the ISS following the docking and hatch opening procedures. Before the launch, Shukla had indicated that there was a call scheduled with an ‘Indian VIP’ from space. Shubhanshu Shukla will spend the next 12 days on board the orbital complex, conducting science experiments and additional outreach activities, where he will interact with school students and the amateur radio community.