His mission aboard the International Space Station isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a tribute to his roots. With his father hailing from Ottapalam, Palakkad, and a lineage tied to eminent jurist C Sankaran Nair, Col Anil carries more than just a spacesuit; he carries legacy. "I’ll be looking for the Kerala coastline," he says, promising to share the view with everyone back home. He’s also encouraging the next generation: “Study hard, stay curious.” As he launches from Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-29, Kerala isn’t just watching; it’s soaring with him. This isn’t just a space mission. It’s a homecoming in orbit.