Shubhanshu Shukla Says ‘Namaskar from Space’, Spends First Day on ISS in Awe and Adaptation

Shubhanshu Shukla’s First Day on ISS. Photo Credit: HT

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history and touched hearts across the nation as he greeted the world with a warm “Namaskar from space” shortly after entering the International Space Station (ISS). As part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to board the ISS, and his humble yet proud salutation has become a defining symbol of India’s expanding footprint in human spaceflight.

According to India Today, the phrase “Namaskar from space” was delivered in a video message from the SpaceX Dragon capsule just moments before it docked with the orbiting station. In the video, Shukla floated effortlessly in microgravity, smiling as he took in the view of Earth from space. His message was both scientific and spiritual, as he reflected on the silence, vastness, and beauty of space while staying grounded in Indian tradition. The moment carried strong symbolic weight—an Indian voice, in Hindi, reaching out to the world from 400 kilometers above Earth.

After the successful docking, Shukla and his crewmates were warmly welcomed by the existing ISS crew. The greetings were full of camaraderie—handshakes, hugs, and shared smiles. He described the experience as overwhelming yet magical, revealing that entering the space station felt like stepping into a futuristic dream. His first statement on board captured the essence of this journey, blending awe, scientific ambition, and cultural pride.

The first day for Shubhanshu Shukla on the International Space Station was focused on acclimatization. As per standard space protocols, he participated in safety briefings, orientation drills, and mobility training in microgravity. In his own words, adapting to weightlessness was like learning to walk again—only in mid-air. The transition from Earth’s gravity to the floating environment of the ISS is one of the most challenging parts of any astronaut’s mission, and Shukla embraced it with curiosity and composure.

One of the highlights of his first day was a special welcome meal, prepared as a communal dinner with all 11 astronauts aboard the ISS. To make the moment even more memorable, Indian dishes such as gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar were included in the menu. These meals were designed by Indian food scientists to suit the nutritional and safety standards of space, while bringing a taste of home to Shukla in orbit. Sharing Indian cuisine in the international dining module was a cultural as well as emotional milestone, blending tradition with technology.

Shukla also spoke about the plush swan named Joy that accompanied him aboard. It served as the zero-gravity indicator for the Axiom-4 capsule, floating freely as soon as they entered orbit. The swan, he said, was a symbol of peace and grace—a reminder of home and humility in the vastness of space. Personal touches like these help astronauts stay emotionally balanced during long missions, reinforcing their connection to Earth while carrying out highly technical tasks.

Another notable achievement from his first day was his ability to get a full eight hours of sleep. This, space experts say, is an excellent sign of adaptation. Many astronauts struggle with sleeping patterns during the initial days due to the lack of natural day-night cycles, but Shukla’s ease indicates strong mental and physical preparation.

As he begins his series of scientific experiments onboard the ISS, including studies on muscle atrophy, circadian rhythm, and environmental monitoring, Shubhanshu Shukla is not just contributing to space science but also carrying the spirit of India into orbit. His mission supports India’s own Gaganyaan preparations by offering firsthand data on Indian physiology in space, dietary habits, and psychological well-being.

The emotional and symbolic impact of Shubhanshu Shukla saying “Namaskar from space” goes far beyond a single greeting. It reflects the coming of age of Indian astronauts in international missions, the fusion of heritage and high-tech science, and the soft power of cultural diplomacy conducted at zero gravity. His first day at the ISS was filled with wonder, discipline, and pride—a true reflection of India’s cosmic aspirations.