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The Axiom-4 crew members, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, entered the International Space Station on Thursday evening. After meeting other crew members aboard the ISS, Shukla said it was a “privileged moment” to represent India in space.

Former Nasa veteran Peggy Whitson, who led the crew, pinned the Astronaut No. 634 badge on Shukla’s suit. “I am confident that the next 14 days are going to be amazing,” Shukla said.

Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Shukla, 39, created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the ISS. He is also only the second India to travel to space 41 years after Rakesh Sharma flew to space aboard a Soviet Soyuz mission in 1984.

The team is led by Peggy and they were piloted by Group Captain Shukla. Others in the crew include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. They will spend two weeks on ISS with seven crew members who are already on the ISS.

The Ax-4 lifted off Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida around 12 am IST on Wednesday and docked on the ISS around 4 pm IST. Shukla’s role was instrumental in docking the Ax-4 as he assisted with spacecraft operations during the launch and docking. He will also play a key role in undocking of Ax-4 and returning to Earth after 14 days on ISS.

Before heading to space, Shukla said he carries not just equipment, but also hopes and dreams of a billion hearts. “I request all Indians to pray for the success of our mission,” he added.

Shukla is shortlisted to be part of Gaganyaan, which will be India’s first human space flight. ISRO reportedly coughed up ₹500 billion to get Shukla’s seat as Group Captain and his training. With more than 2,000 flying hours clocked aboard MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars and Hawks, he joined the Indian Air Force in 2006.