Axiom-4 is a special mission for India as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to fly to the International Space Station. He becomes the second Indian to go to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s mission 40 years ago. His journey is not just about science but also full of emotion and pride.
Along with scientific equipment, Shukla carries Indian sweets, a small toy swan, and a surprise gift for his hero.
Personal Items for Axiom-4 Mission
Group Captain Shukla’s mission has created a lot of excitement in India. Besides his work, he is taking a few personal items with him. The Axiom-4 mission, led by Peggy Whitson, includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary, who also return to space after many years.
Shukla said, “I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts.” He will take some of his favourite Indian sweets into space: mango nectar, carrot halva, and moong dal halva, specially prepared for the mission. “There will be plenty of food to eat in space, but I will be carrying mango nectar, carrot halva and moong dal halva with me,” he said. His sister added, “He is a fitness-freak and highly into yoga so I am sure he will balance it.”
The crew will also bring “Joy,” a small white swan toy, which will float when they reach zero gravity. Commander Whitson said, “In India, it symbolises wisdom and purity, representing the pursuit of truth.” Shukla added that the swan represents the vehicle of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning. Hungarian astronaut Kapu named the toy, saying, “A team that has joy is a team that is healthy.”
Gift for India’s First Astronaut
Shukla will also take a secret gift for India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma. Sharma flew to space in 1984 and inspired Shukla, who was born a year later. “I grew up reading about him in textbooks and listening to his stories. I was deeply impressed by him,” Shukla said.
Sharma has helped him prepare for the mission. “He is advising me on a lot of things, including how to prepare for this mission.” Shukla did not reveal what the gift is but promised, “It will be a surprise.”