Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated the crew members of the Axiom 4 mission and said it was 'absolutely thrilling' to watch Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team safely reach the International Space Station (ISS).

The West Bengal Chief Minister praised the young Axiom 4 pilot and said that his mission is a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying the country's position as a formidable space-faring nation.

'Absolutely thrilled to see our astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and other team members, safely reach the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4. Heartiest congratulations to all of them and especially to our very own Shubhanshu!' posted Banerjee on X.

'What an incredible achievement for him to become the first Indian ever to ISS! His mission is not just a personal achievement but a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying our position as a formidable space-faring nation. Congratulations, Shubhanshu, once again! Your journey has really made us all proud! Jai Hind!' her post read.

The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.

NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. The Ax-4 crew will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and will now take part in a safety briefing.

Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency.

The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.

Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey.

'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' Shukla said.

He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement.'

'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment--it belongs to all of us,' he said.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard.

The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. (ANI)