Grace Spacecraft Docks Successfully with International Space Station

Agencies/THE NEWS DOSE DESK
Delhi|June26,UPDATED:4.50PM
In a historic milestone for India’s space journey, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three international crewmates reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday aboard the Dragon spacecraft, named Grace. The docking marks the first time an Indian astronaut has traveled to the ISS.
Docking Completed Over North Atlantic Ocean

The spacecraft achieved a soft capture with the ISS at 4:01 pm IST as it orbited over the North Atlantic Ocean. The docking sequence was completed by 4:15 pm IST, according to a live video feed broadcast by NASA.
Launched Under Axiom-4 Mission

The astronauts are part of the privately organized Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. They launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The mission represents a collaboration between SpaceX, Axiom Space, and international space agencies.
A Proud Moment for India

Shubhanshu Shukla’s arrival at the ISS marks a historic first for India, underlining the country’s growing participation in human spaceflight and international space exploration. His presence aboard the ISS is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian scientists and astronauts.