Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 17: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has created history and filled the nation with pride by safely returning to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A key crew member of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla’s journey marks a major milestone for India’s space ambitions.
Launched on June 25, Shukla served as the Mission Pilot and became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS, returning safely on July 15.
🇮🇳 A Family’s Pride and a Nation’s Glory
His mother, Asha Shukla, shared her overwhelming emotions with ANI:
“It was a very happy experience. He’s very happy to have completed this journey… When he lands in India, there will be so much excitement. He is no longer just our pride, he is the pride of the entire country.”
She added that the family plans to meet him in August, either in Delhi or Lucknow, depending on his schedule.
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, echoed similar pride:
“The biggest aim of our life was to be recognised by our son’s name, and that has been fulfilled. We are very happy.”
Shubhanshu’s sister, Shuchi Mishra, and the rest of the family offered prayers to Lord Shiva for his safe return, celebrating joyfully upon hearing of his successful splashdown.
🛰️ A Mission of Scientific Impact
During his time on the ISS, Shukla conducted pioneering microgravity experiments on:
- Muscle regeneration
- Algal and microbial growth
- Crop viability in space
- Microbial survivability
- Cognitive performance in space
- Behaviour of cyanobacteria
These studies are expected to contribute significantly to India’s future human spaceflight missions, including Gaganyaan and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
🏛️ National Recognition
Following the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Union Cabinet passed a resolution applauding Shukla’s successful return:
“This is an occasion of pride, glory, and joy for the entire country. The Cabinet, along with the nation, congratulates Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.”
The government also commended ISRO and the Indian scientific community for their dedication to advancing India’s presence in space.
🌍 Strengthening India’s Global Space Standing
This mission cements India’s position in international space collaboration and paves the way for deeper scientific and strategic participation on a global stage. It follows other recent achievements like:
- Chandrayaan-3’s lunar South Pole landing (August 23, 2023 – National Space Day)
- Aditya-L1’s solar mission success
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla now stands as a symbol of India’s new era in human spaceflight, inspiring a new generation of scientists, astronauts, and dreamers.