Shubhanshu Shukla is already on his way back to India, which would mark his first homecoming after piloting the successful Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.
Astronaut’s First Return After ISS Mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s 21st-century space hero, is returning home after piloting the successful Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- This will be his first homecoming after the mission.
- Sources indicate he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to share his experiences.
Shukla’s Emotional Post Before Landing
On his way back, Shukla posted a smiling photo from the plane, writing about his emotions:
- A mix of sadness at leaving behind colleagues who became family during the mission.
- Excitement to meet his friends, family, and people of India post-mission.
- Quoting commander Peggy Whitson: “The only constant in spaceflight is change”, adding that life is similar.
Role in India’s Human Spaceflight Programme
Shukla’s experiences are crucial for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
- PM Modi had earlier asked him to document training and ISS stay to form the handbook for Gaganyaan.
- He spent over a year training at NASA, Axiom, and SpaceX facilities.
- He conducted seven India-specific experiments on the ISS, results of which are awaited by Indian scientists.
What’s Next for India’s Space Goals
- Shukla will also attend National Space Day celebrations on August 23.
- India aims to launch Gaganyaan soon and become the fourth nation to independently send humans into space.
- Long-term plans include:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035.
- Landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
As Shubhanshu Shukla returns to India, his journey not only inspires millions but also strengthens the nation’s path towards becoming a global leader in space exploration.
