“Learning Like a Baby”: Shubhanshu Shukla’s Honest Message from Space

As India watched with pride, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sent his first message from orbit, offering an open and heartfelt account of his journey to the International Space Station. His words, spoken just hours after launch, captured not only the excitement of reaching space but also the challenges and humility that come with such a historic mission.

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Shukla began by greeting the nation, his voice steady but filled with wonder. “Hello everyone, namaskar from space. I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. Wow, what a ride it was. When I was sitting in the capsule on the launchpad, the only thought in my mind was: let’s just go.” These opening lines set the tone for a message that was both personal and relatable.

He described the launch with vivid clarity. “When the ride started, it was something—you getting pushed back in the seat. It was an amazing ride. And then suddenly nothing. You are floating in vacuum.” The transition from the intense force of take-off to the silence and weightlessness of space left a strong impression on him, and he shared that sense of awe with everyone back home.

Yet, Shukla’s message was not only about the thrill of space travel. He took a moment to reflect on the collective effort behind his journey. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone. It is not a personal accomplishment. It is a collective achievement.” With these words, he acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and all those who had contributed to making this mission possible. He made it clear that he was carrying the hopes of the entire nation on his shoulders.

Adapting to space, however, brought its own set of challenges. Shukla did not hesitate to share his initial discomfort. “I was not feeling very great when we got shot into the vacuum,” he admitted, offering a rare glimpse into the physical realities of space travel. He continued, “Since yesterday, I’ve been told I was sleeping a lot, so I think that’s a great sign. I’m getting used to it quite well now.” His honesty about these early struggles made his achievement all the more human.

As he settled into orbit, Shukla compared his experience to that of a child learning everything for the first time. “I am learning like a baby, how to walk and eat in space,” he said. “Learning the first step; how to walk, control, and eat.” He spoke of enjoying the views and the process of adapting, repeating that he was “learning like a baby,” and looking forward to the new experiences that awaited him on the ISS.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s message from space stands out for its sincerity and simplicity. He brought the nation along on his journey, describing not just the technical triumphs but also the very human process of adjusting to life in microgravity. His words remind us that every great achievement is built on teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to learn—no matter how far from home we travel.