Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to land in India on Sunday, August 17, following his historic 18-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 private space mission. After a year of rigorous training in the US, Shukla is eager to share his extraordinary experiences with his fellow Indians and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before heading to his hometown, Lucknow.
Shukla, who lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS on June 26, conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions alongside astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). He returned to Earth on July 15, marking a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions as ISRO prepares for its first human spaceflight in 2027.
In an emotional Instagram post, Shukla shared a photo of himself aboard a plane, reflecting on his journey. “As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the support he received and sadness at leaving behind his mission colleagues who became like family. Quoting his commander Peggy Whitson, he noted, “The only constant in spaceflight is change,” a sentiment he believes applies to life itself. He also referenced the Bollywood song “Yun hi chala chal rahi” from Swades, which was on his playlist before the mission.
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Shukla’s return coincides with India’s National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, where he is expected to participate in New Delhi. On Friday, he joined backup astronaut Prashanth Nair at the Indian Consulate in Houston for Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, hailed Shukla’s achievement, noting his return from the space station as a proud moment for India.
The Axiom-4 mission underscores India’s growing presence in space exploration. Shukla’s role in conducting critical experiments aboard the ISS highlights the country’s scientific capabilities and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. As ISRO gears up for its Gaganyaan mission in 2027, Shukla’s insights and experiences will be invaluable in shaping India’s journey toward establishing its own space station.
Shukla’s homecoming is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and astronauts in India. His meeting with PM Modi is anticipated to focus on the mission’s outcomes and India’s future space endeavors, further solidifying the nation’s aspirations to become a global leader in space exploration.
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