Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 00:05 IST

India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts were formally welcomed on the International Space Station by the members of Expedition 73

India's Shubhanshu Shukla reacts after the Space-X Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station, as part of the Axiom-4 mission on June 26. (Image: @SpaceX/X/PTI)

As the Axiom-4 crew celebrate their entry into the International Space Station, and you’re wondering how many astronauts have been to space? Then here’s your answer. All of 634.

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla is the 634th astronaut to travel to space. “I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here," Shukla said at the formal welcome ceremony on the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday after a 28-hour journey.

Shukla and three other astronauts were formally welcomed on the space station by the members of Expedition 73 with warm hugs and handshakes. Axiom mission commander Peggy Whitson handed out astronaut pins to Shukla, Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungarian Tibor Kapu, who marked their maiden voyage to space.

“With your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It looks easy to stand here, but my head is a little heavy, facing some difficulty; but these are minor issues," he said. “We will get used to it. This is the first step of this journey."

‘CARRYING YOU ALL WITH ME’

Shukla said in the next 14 days, he and the other astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and interact with people on Earth. “This is also a phase of India’s space journey. I will keep talking to you. Let us make this journey exciting. I am carrying the tiranga and I am carrying all of you with me. The next 14 days will be exciting," he said.

He said the ride to the ISS was great and he was overwhelmed by the welcome he received from the crew of the orbital laboratory. “The minute I entered the International Space Station and met this crew, you just made me feel so welcome, as if you literally opened your doors, like your house doors, for us," he said.

Whatever expectations he had has been surpassed by the view, Shukla said. “So thank you so much. I think this is fantastic, this is wonderful and I am very confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing, advancing science and research, and working together," he added.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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