‘Sky Is Never the Limit’: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to PM Modi from Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), made history this week and marked the moment with a powerful message during a video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday: “Sky is never the limit, neither for you, nor me, nor for India.”

Shukla, who became the second Indian ever in space and the first to reach the ISS, expressed his pride and gratitude while reflecting on his journey. “If you build your future properly, the nation’s future will also be bright,” he told the Prime Minister. “Keep this in your heart: sky is never the limit.”

Shukla blasted off to the ISS on Wednesday as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. He is the first Indian to enter space in 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 flight. Serving as Mission Pilot aboard the Dragon spacecraft, Shukla reached the ISS on June 26, becoming the 634th human in space.

Confirming their interaction, the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X: “PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station.”

PM Modi praised the astronaut’s landmark journey, saying, “Your historic journey will further strengthen students’ resolve to explore space.”

Shukla responded with heartfelt pride, saying, “This isn’t just my journey—it’s India’s. I’m honoured to represent the country. From space, India looks grander than it does on the map.”

“Floating in the Vacuum – It’s Magical”

Sharing his experience of liftoff and weightlessness, Shukla described the launch as “something else entirely.” He said, “You’re pushed back into the seat, and then suddenly—silence. You’re just floating in the vacuum, and it’s magical.” He also expressed deep appreciation for the entire mission team, calling the achievement “a shared success.”

The Ax-4 mission, comprising astronauts from India, the US, Hungary, and Poland, docked autonomously with the ISS on Thursday at 4:05 PM IST, ahead of schedule. The crew was welcomed aboard by Expedition 73 and underwent safety briefings.

“Tricolour on My Shoulder Feels Like India Is With Me”

After receiving his official astronaut pin from Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla remarked: “I am number 634—it’s a privilege.” He added, “Seeing Earth from this vantage point is beyond words. Entering the ISS felt like stepping into a home, and the welcome by the Expedition 73 crew was incredible.”

In a message to the nation, he said, “Thanks to your love and blessings, I have reached the ISS safely. Though my head aches slightly due to the microgravity, we’ll adapt. This is a milestone for India, and I hope everyone follows our journey with excitement.”

Over the next 14 days, Shukla and the Ax-4 crew will conduct scientific research, outreach activities, and commercial experiments aboard the orbiting lab. His mission is expected to lay the groundwork for future Indian collaborations in space exploration.