Shubhanshu Shukla: ‘Lightheaded But Excited’ as He Begins 14-Day Mission on ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force officer turned astronaut, has made history as the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS) in over four decades. Docking successfully with the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla shared his first impressions and emotions from space, describing the experience as both physically challenging and deeply fulfilling.

From Earth to orbit, cultures, crews, and missions unite 250 miles above our world. A heartfelt welcome to the #Ax4 crew as they join Expedition 73 aboard the International @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/6cyfNkcx9S

— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) June 26, 2025

Speaking from the ISS shortly after arrival, Shukla admitted to feeling a bit “lightheaded”, a common sensation for astronauts as their bodies adjust to microgravity. However, he was quick to add that this minor discomfort was nothing compared to the excitement and pride he felt. “I am feeling lightheaded, but that is not much of an issue compared to the things we will do here for the next 14 days. It is a very proud and exciting moment, a big step in our space journey,” he said, standing alongside his international crewmates—Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and veteran US astronaut Dr Peggy Whitson.

Shukla, who described the journey aboard the Dragon spacecraft as a “wonderful ride”, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his fellow rookies received from the ISS crew. He said that his expectations had been surpassed, not just by the breathtaking view of Earth from space but also by the camaraderie and hospitality aboard the station. “It is a privilege to be among the few who have got a chance to see the Earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now,” he remarked at the formal welcome ceremony, after being designated astronaut number 634 by mission commander Peggy Whitson.

The Indian tricolour featured prominently in Shukla’s words and spirit. He reiterated his pride in carrying the national flag on his shoulder, saying, “I wear the tricolour on my shoulders with pride.” In a special message to Indians, he said, “Thanks to your love and blessings, I safely reached the International Space Station. Standing here appears easy but it is a bit difficult. My head is a bit heavy, there is a bit of difficulty. But these are small matters and within a few days we will get used to this. This is the first step on this journey. We will conduct many science experiments and talk to you people from here over the next 14 days. But this is also a step in our own space journey”.

His family, friends, and teachers watched the live docking from his school in Lucknow, overwhelmed with emotion and pride. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, “We are extremely proud. We have been praying for his success. This is a proud day for us,” adding that the family would soon meet the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the achievement.

Shukla will spend the next two weeks conducting a series of scientific experiments and outreach activities, advancing research and strengthening India’s presence in global space exploration. As he put it, “I am very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing—advancing science and research and working together”.