Namaskar from space, taking baby steps, says Shukla

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday. With this, Shukla became the first Indian to enter the ISS.

Before the spacecraft docked with the ISS, Shukla said he was taking baby steps in space. “Hello everyone, namaskar from space. I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. What a ride it was," he said.

The crew of the Axiom-4 mission was welcomed by the other seven astronauts who were already at the ISS.

Apart from Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, European Space Agency astronaut Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the mission.

Whitson pinned astronaut number 634 on Shukla’s chest.

In his welcome address at the ISS, Shukla said it was a privilege to be among a few who have got the chance to see the earth from a vantage point.

Addressing Indians from the space station, he said, “Due to the love and blessings of yours, I have reached the ISS safely. It appears to be easy to stand here (in microgravity), but it is a bit difficult. There is heaviness in my head, but we will get used to it. This is the first step in this journey. In the next 14 days, we will conduct several scientific experiments. Let’s make this journey exciting. I am carrying a Tricolour on my shoulder, which makes me feel that you are with me. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!”

He thanked the other seven astronauts who welcomed him at the ISS.

“I was looking forward to coming to space. It is something to look forward to as such. The minute I entered the ISS, you (the other seven astronauts) made me feel so welcome. You literally opened your house doors for us. I feel even better. Whatever expectation I had, they were surpassed by the view but by you guys as well. So the next 14 days are going to be amazing for advancing science and research,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, Whitson said being a part of the mission with the first-time astronauts made her relive her first journey to space.

Earlier in the day, from the spacecraft, Shukla said, "I am learning like a baby how to walk and eat in space.”

Expressing his feelings since the launch on June 25, Shukla said, “When the ride started, it was something — you getting pushed back in the seat. And then everything was silent. You are just floating in the vacuum of silence. It was an amazing feeling. I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this. I understand that this is not a personal accomplishment, it is a collective achievement for all those who have been part of this journey. Also to family and friends you supported so much.”

Explaining his surreal experience in the microgravity, Shukla said he was not feeling great. “I have been told I have been sleeping a lot since yesterday,” he said.