Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is making his way back home today, fresh off his groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station. The nation eagerly awaits his return, and PM Narendra Modi is set to meet him in Delhi before he heads to Lucknow to reunite with family.
Shukla spent the past year training in the US for the Axiom-4 mission, which saw him become the first Indian to reach the ISS. His 18-day mission, from June 25 to July 15, was packed with over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions alongside astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary.
PM Modi didn’t miss the chance to highlight Shukla’s achievements during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort. He spoke proudly about India’s ambitious plans for its own space station, using Shukla’s success as a testament to the country’s growing prowess in space exploration.
On Instagram, Shukla shared a heartfelt post about his mixed emotions. ‘Leaving behind friends and mission mates is hard, but I can’t wait to see everyone back home,’ he wrote. His words resonated with many, capturing the bittersweet thrill of coming back after achieving something extraordinary.
Rehabilitation in the US kept him grounded for a few weeks post-mission, but now, he’s eager to bring his experiences to India’s own space ambitions. Shukla’s insights will be invaluable for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program slated for 2027.
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, couldn’t hide his excitement while speaking to IANS. ‘We’ve been waiting for this moment,’ he said. The joy is shared nationwide, as Shukla’s journey isn’t just personal – it’s a milestone for India’s space dreams.
Before heading home to Lucknow, Shukla will join the National Space Day celebrations in Delhi, adding another proud chapter to his story. His journey reminds us that even the stars aren’t out of reach.