Shubhanshu Shukla: India's Trailblazing Astronaut Returns from ISS

In a historical milestone for India, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes his return from the International Space Station, highlighting the nation's growing aspirations in space exploration.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as India's first ever crew member on the International Space Station (ISS), is currently en route back to Earth. Following a successful Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, the spacecraft undocked from the ISS on Monday, and Shukla, piloting the mission alongside former NASA veteran Peggy Whitson and an international crew, is expected to splash down within the next 24 hours.

The Ax-4 mission included crew members Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Shukla's journey – the second instance of an Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984 – saw him reach the ISS on June 26. Axiom Space has been broadcasting the mission live, showcasing various experiments conducted during their stay in orbit.

The Axiom mission is a partnership involving NASA, India’s space agency ISRO, the European Space Agency (ESA), and SpaceX. This collaborative effort demonstrates a significant shift towards privatization in space travel, as the Ax-4 mission was operated by the Houston-based Axiom Space. Following undocking, Axiom announced that the Ax-4 will descend into the ocean off California, with a recovery vessel on standby.

Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh has indicated the splashdown is slated for July 15 at approximately 15:00 IST (09:30 GMT). In a heartfelt farewell address from the ISS, Shukla shared his pride in representing India, stating, “The journey of our human space mission is very long and difficult. But if we are determined, even the stars are attainable.”

He echoed sentiments from Rakesh Sharma, remarking on India’s progress: “From space, today's India looks ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud, still better than the rest of the world.” The astronaut’s return marks a significant chapter in India’s continued journey into space, with ISRO planning to launch Gaganyaan, its first manned mission, in 2027, alongside developing a space station by 2035 and sending an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Shukla, who was born in Lucknow and has extensive flying experience as a fighter pilot, expressed the emotional weight of his mission: “As I go into space, I carry not just instruments and equipment, I carry hopes and dreams of a billion hearts.” His journey, laden with scientific inquiry and national pride, ushers in a hopeful era for India’s space aspirations.