Watch: Russia successfully launches Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon to space

Anil Menon, an Indian-American astronaut, has embarked on his maiden space journey aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, heading to the International Space Station. This mission, which took off from Kazakhstan, will see Menon conducting a variety of scientific research projects over the next eight months. This event is notable not just because of Menon's personal milestone but also because it underscores the international collaboration that is essential for space exploration. His presence aboard the ISS will contribute to a broader, more diverse pool of expertise in the field.