New Delhi, June 25 -- ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission launched into space on Wednesday, June 25. "Kamaal ki ride thi.," said Shukla as soared into the skies on his way to the International Space Station.

This will be the first time an Indian astronaut will conduct research on the International Space Station.

For India, Poland and Hungary, the Axiom-4 mission launch marked a return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years.

India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, couldn't make it to Florida for the launch; Shukla said he's been a mentor "at every step of this journey" and is flying a surprise gift for him.

Axiom -4 also lays the groundwork for India's Ganganyaan mission and itthe country's space roadmap to land a...