Air Force chief speaks to Gp. Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla ahead of space launch
In a momentous event for India's space ambitions, the Chief of the Air Staff, along with all Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has extended heartfelt best wishes to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he prepares for his journey to space aboard the Axiom-4 mission.The IAF conveyed its support and pride in an official post on X, highlighting the significance of this mission for the nation.advertisement'As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey,' the post read.As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new pic.twitter.com/t91lFn6gz5— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 10, 2025
Group Captain Shukla's participation in the Axiom-4 mission marks a landmark achievement, not only for the Indian Air Force but for the country's broader aspirations in space exploration.advertisementHis journey shows the increasing collaboration between military and civilian space sectors, reflecting India's growing footprint on the global stage of astronautics.The Axiom-4 mission, scheduled for launch tomorrow, will see a diverse crew traveling to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will conduct scientific experiments and contribute to international research efforts.For India, this mission is symbolic of its rising capabilities and ambitions in space, aligning with the nation's goals to expand its presence beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla with the Ax-4 crew. (Photo: Axiom Space)
The support from the IAF leadership and personnel highlights the unity and enthusiasm within India's defense community for space endeavours.It is worth mentioning that while Isro has selected the astronauts from the Indian Air Force for the Gaganyaan Mission, it is working with the Navy to develop procedures to recover them from the sea post splashdown.As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for this historic voyage, the nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to witness the next chapter in the Indian Space Odyssey.Must Watch
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