‘Wonderful ride… expectations surpassed’: Shubhanshu Shukla, Astronaut No. 634, delivers first message aboard ISS

Mission Commander Peggy Whitson also gave him his pin, designating him astronaut number 634. Shukla spoke twice, first in English and then sharing a message for Indians in Hindi.

Before he spoke, Whitson, a veteran on her fifth space flight, spoke about the unique experience of leading a mission of rookies. “The best part about being a commander on a mission with all rookies is you get to watch the rookies go through it for the first time. It helps you remember some of the things you went through the first time and it is also special to get to relive the experience through these guys.”

Here’s what Shubhanshu Shukla‘s first words were aboard the International Space Station.

Full text

“Thank you Peggy (Whitson, the mission commander). I am number [Astronaut Number] 634, that’s a privelege (laughs). But, to be fair, it is a privelege 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.

“It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great. I was looking forward to come to space. It is something to look forward to. But the minute I entered the International Space Station… this crew (points at the Expedition-73 crew already aboard the ISS) made me feel so welcome. You literally opened the doors to your house for us. It was fantastic. I feel even better.

“Whatever expectations I had before coming here were surpassed by the view, of course — that’s a big part of it — but you guys as well. So, thank you so much.

“This was fantastic. This was wonderful and I am very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing — as you said — advancing science and research and working together. Thank you so much.”

Then, Shukla again took the mic to share a message for Indians. He said his head felt heavy but the tricolour on his shoulder reminded him that the Indians were with him.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Hindi message

“A small message for my beloved countryfolk. 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.

“I talked to you some time back when I was inside the (Crew) Dragon [spacecraft] and I will keep talking. Let’s make this journey very exciting, let’s take part in it with great gusto.

“I am very excited. I believe all of you are with me as I carry the tiranga (tricolour) on my shoulder. I am believe that all of you are excited along with me. I fell the next 14 days will be very exciting. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.”