NEW DELHI: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla lauded the Artemis II launch on Thursday that sent four astronauts on a journey around the Moon, while recalling his own experience of “standing on those very grounds for the first time, feeling humbled by what it represents”.In a post on X, he said, “It is the same ground from which Neil Armstrong began humanity’s first journey to the Moon. The same place where Peggy Whitson, the most experienced American astronaut and my commander, launched on her first mission to space. And today, it becomes the starting point for yet another chapter in our shared story of exploration.”The space launch system rocket propelled the Artemis II mission from Launch Pad 39 B on Thursday. Neil Armstrong began his journey to the Moon from Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Pad 39 A, which is just a few kilometres away from the Artemis-2 launch pad. Shukla, who is the only Indian to have flown to space from the US, also lifted off from Launch Pad 39A.“I had the privilege of watching these astronauts prepare for this mission, and even meeting two of them personally. To see them now on the cusp of such a remarkable journey is both inspiring and moving,” he posted on X.India became the 27th signatory to the US-led Artemis Accords in June 2023. While not directly participating in the Artemis program’s manned missions, this partnership allows India to collaborate with Nasa through Isro on technological advancements and joint missions.India is currently working on its own lunar goals through Chandrayaan-6, 7, and 8, building on the momentum of the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions. It plans to land on the Moon by 2040.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Himanta Biswa Sarma Is Amit Shah Of North-East, He Even Controls Congress’: Yashwant DeshmukhAs Iran War Jolts Pakistan’s Economy, India Acts as Key Stabiliser for NeighboursMEA Confirms India Attending UK-Hosted Meeting To Discuss Reopening Strait Of HormuzTamil Nadu Elections 2026: M.K. Stalin vs AIADMK — Will Vijay Be the X-Factor?Tejas Mk1A Delayed Again As GE Delivers Only 6 Engines Against Target’Energy Instability’: Navy Chief Tripathi Flags ‘Severe Economic Impact’ Of Hormuz Disruption’No Worries For India In Hormuz’: Says Iran, As Rajnath Singh Assures Navy’s Escort To Secure Supply’No Fuel Shortage, Navy Guards Tankers On Hormuz Route’: Rajnath Singh Signals India’s Readiness’Unprecedented, Decisive Action’: Rajnath Warns Pakistan Against Misadventure, Reminds Of Op SindoorIndian LPG Tanker Escapes Mined Hormuz Route, Sails Via Larak Amid War123PhotostoriesFrom reacting to husband Krushna Abhishek roasting her to working as Shiamak Davar’s dancer and bagging the SRK-Juhi starrer ‘Yes Boss,’ Kashmera Shah on her journeyHow to make protein-rich Sattu Paratha for breakfastBirds that change their feather colours for survivalFrom Aditya Dhar-Yami Gautam to Sachin Tendulkar-Anjali: 10 celebrities who chose to get married in the comfort of their homesFrom typhoons to blizzards: Strangest weather events in war historyBill Gates once said, “Success is a lousy teacher, it seduces smart people…”: 4 lessons it teaches studentsRERA penalties for real estate brokers in India (2026); from hefty fines to jail termsRaghav Chadha’s favourite Cheesy Mushroom Toast that is perfect for breakfastFrom Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood stars who built successful businesses beyond acting6 foods you should store in the refrigerator door and why123Hot PicksUAE healthcare rulesLeBron JamesNASA Artemis IIKristi Noem HusbandUS Iran WarPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingiShowSpeed babyGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news
NEW DELHI: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla lauded the Artemis II launch on Thursday that sent four astronauts on a journey around the Moon, while recalling his own experience of “standing on those very grounds for the first time, feeling humbled by what it represents”.In a post on X, he said, “It is the same ground from which Neil Armstrong began humanity’s first journey to the Moon. The same place where Peggy Whitson, the most experienced American astronaut and my commander, launched on her first mission to space. And today, it becomes the starting point for yet another chapter in our shared story of exploration.”The space launch system rocket propelled the Artemis II mission from Launch Pad 39 B on Thursday. Neil Armstrong began his journey to the Moon from Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Pad 39 A, which is just a few kilometres away from the Artemis-2 launch pad. Shukla, who is the only Indian to have flown to space from the US, also lifted off from Launch Pad 39A.“I had the privilege of watching these astronauts prepare for this mission, and even meeting two of them personally. To see them now on the cusp of such a remarkable journey is both inspiring and moving,” he posted on X.India became the 27th signatory to the US-led Artemis Accords in June 2023. While not directly participating in the Artemis program’s manned missions, this partnership allows India to collaborate with Nasa through Isro on technological advancements and joint missions.India is currently working on its own lunar goals through Chandrayaan-6, 7, and 8, building on the momentum of the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions. It plans to land on the Moon by 2040.
