Axiom Mission-4 a success for India and Gaganyaan, says astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Shubhanshu Shukla, on Friday said the success of Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) marks India’s return to orbit after 41 years, calling it “India’s second orbit.” “And this time, we are ready not just to fly, but to lead,” he said during a post-mission press briefing, adding that his journey was not just as a spacefarer, but as a messenger of what’s now possible for India.

The 39-year-old Indian Air Force Group Captain said he feels fit and ready for another space mission….