Tag: India in Space

National

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Arrives in India to a Grand Hero’s Welcome in Lucknow

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Indian Astronaut and test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla was welcomed in grandeur upon his return to India, following his successful space mission with the Axiom-4 crew. The streets of Lucknow came alive with celebrations as citizens gathered in large numbers to express their pride and admiration for the astronaut’s remarkable journey. The 39-year-old pilot, who represented India aboard the international space mission, received widespread love and praise, echoing through the heart of his hometown.

Shukla’s mission, launched on June 25, 2025, marked a historic moment for Indian spaceflight. Aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 mission took off in collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. Alongside Shukla, the crew included Commander Peggy Whitson from the USA, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This mission represented the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary.

Spanning approximately 18 days, the mission concluded with the spacecraft’s undocking on July 14, 2025. During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew conducted over 60 groundbreaking scientific studies, exploring areas such as crop growth in space, the behavior of cyanobacteria in microgravity, and the physiological changes experienced by the human body during extended space travel. These experiments were not only critical for future space exploration but also contributed to expanding our understanding of human adaptation to space environments.

The return of Shubhanshu Shukla is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing presence in international space endeavors. With the success of the Axiom-4 mission, India takes a proud step forward in global scientific advancement, and Shukla stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and explorers across the nation.

As the city of Lucknow echoed with cheers, banners, and patriotic pride, it was clear that Shukla’s return marked a historic chapter not only in India’s space journey but also in the hearts of millions who look up to the stars with dreams of discovery.

International

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Historic Space Mission

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, July 2025 – In a moment that has stirred national pride and emotion, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after an inspiring 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

The mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and international space agencies including ISRO, aimed at advancing microgravity research, space-based technology experiments, and future commercial spaceflight training.

Shukla’s return was marked by a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams quickly retrieved the capsule. The astronaut was seen smiling and waving as he was helped out of the spacecraft and later reunited with his family in an emotional moment that was broadcast live.

Hailing from India’s space research hub in Bengaluru, Shukla became a national icon as one of the first Indians to board the ISS as part of a private commercial spaceflight mission. He conducted multiple experiments during his time in orbit, including studies on space agriculture, radiation impact on human cells, and zero-gravity engineering trials.

The Government of India and ISRO officials welcomed his return, calling it a “milestone moment for India’s space ambitions.”

“Shubhanshu’s mission represents the next step in India’s human spaceflight journey. He has made the nation proud,” said an ISRO spokesperson.

With India gearing up for its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Shukla’s experience is expected to play a pivotal role in training future astronauts and advancing India’s commercial space initiatives.

As celebrations continue, Shubhanshu Shukla’s homecoming reminds the world that India is not just reaching for the stars—it’s touching them.