New Delhi: Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently onboard the Axiom-4 mission, said he felt “not very great” after entering space but is now “learning like a baby” as he begins to adjust to life in microgravity.

Speaking live from the Dragon spacecraft alongside his fellow astronauts on Thursday, Shukla described the surreal experience of being launched into orbit and his early challenges. “I was not feeling very great when we were shot into the vacuum,” he said, referring to the moments after liftoff. “Since yesterday, I’ve been told I was sleeping a lot, so I think that’s a great sign. I’m getting used to it quite well now.”

Now floating comfortably in zero gravity, he shared that he is “enjoying the view and the entire experience,” but likened his learning curve in space to that of an infant: “I’m learning like a baby, learning the first step; how to walk, control, and eat.”

Wearing his flight suit and a broad smile, Shukla greeted viewers with a warm “Namaskar from Space!” He expressed pride in representing India and paid tribute to the many people who supported his journey.

“I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts — one veteran and three rookies. Wow, what a ride it was!” he said. Recalling the moments before launch, he added, “When I was sitting in the capsule yesterday on the launch pad, my only thought was, ‘Let’s just go.’ After 30 days of quarantine, excitement felt far away.”

Describing the launch experience, Shukla said, “We were getting pushed back into our seats… it was amazing. You’re just floating in the vacuum.”

Introduced the swan toy in space

During the live stream, Shukla also introduced a swan plush toy floating beside him — a zero-gravity indicator — and took a moment to explain its cultural significance. “In Indian culture, the swan represents wisdom,” he said, highlighting a symbolic connection between India’s ancient philosophy and its futuristic steps into space.

The team and the mission:

Shukla is part of the four-member Axiom-4 crew, which launched aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The mission is commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland serving as fellow mission specialists.

Following Shukla’s address, other crewmates also shared their impressions from space, reflecting on their first hours aboard the orbiting laboratory and the excitement of conducting science and exploration beyond Earth.