**After a successful mission, Shukla aims to inspire the next generation of Indian astronauts as he heads home.**
**Historic Return of First Indian Astronaut from ISS Mission**
**Historic Return of First Indian Astronaut from ISS Mission**
**Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla undocks from International Space Station, signaling a new era in Indian space exploration.**
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is making his way back to Earth. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission undocked from the ISS with its four-member crew during a live broadcast on Monday, and is expected to splash down within 24 hours. Shukla, alongside former NASA veteran Peggy Whitson and fellow crew members Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, successfully arrived at the ISS on June 26.
As the second Indian in space, Shukla's mission marks a significant milestone, following cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984. Axiom Space, the private Houston-based company that operated the mission, shared images on social media showcasing the astronauts enjoying meals in orbit. The ISS confirmed the spacecraft's undocking via their social media platforms, announcing that the Ax-4 crew had secured themselves for the journey home.
Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh has indicated that the Ax-4 splash down is slated for July 15 at around 3:00 PM IST (09:30 GMT) off California's coast. In his farewell message from the ISS, Group Captain Shukla reflected on the importance of India's venture into space, stating, "Our journey in space may be tough, but it has begun." He echoed the sentiments of Rakesh Sharma, noting that from space, India appears "ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud."
Initially planned for a two-week stay, the Ax-4 crew extended their time on the ISS by several days, during which they engaged in 60 scientific experiments, including several developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro). Isro invested approximately ₹5 billion ($59 million) to secure Shukla's training and seat, emphasizing the importance of his experience for future human space missions.
Looking ahead, Isro has ambitious plans to launch Gaganyaan, the country’s first human spaceflight mission, in 2027, with further aspirations of establishing a space station by 2035 and sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040. Shukla is one of the four Indian Air Force officers shortlisted to participate in Gaganyaan.
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Group Captain Shukla began his Air Force career as a fighter pilot in 2006, amassing over 2,000 hours of flight time on various aircraft. Reflecting on his transformative year leading up to the mission, he stated, "I carry not just instruments and equipment; I carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts." Shukla has called upon fellow Indians to unite in prayer for the success of his groundbreaking mission.
As the second Indian in space, Shukla's mission marks a significant milestone, following cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984. Axiom Space, the private Houston-based company that operated the mission, shared images on social media showcasing the astronauts enjoying meals in orbit. The ISS confirmed the spacecraft's undocking via their social media platforms, announcing that the Ax-4 crew had secured themselves for the journey home.
Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh has indicated that the Ax-4 splash down is slated for July 15 at around 3:00 PM IST (09:30 GMT) off California's coast. In his farewell message from the ISS, Group Captain Shukla reflected on the importance of India's venture into space, stating, "Our journey in space may be tough, but it has begun." He echoed the sentiments of Rakesh Sharma, noting that from space, India appears "ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud."
Initially planned for a two-week stay, the Ax-4 crew extended their time on the ISS by several days, during which they engaged in 60 scientific experiments, including several developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro). Isro invested approximately ₹5 billion ($59 million) to secure Shukla's training and seat, emphasizing the importance of his experience for future human space missions.
Looking ahead, Isro has ambitious plans to launch Gaganyaan, the country’s first human spaceflight mission, in 2027, with further aspirations of establishing a space station by 2035 and sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040. Shukla is one of the four Indian Air Force officers shortlisted to participate in Gaganyaan.
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Group Captain Shukla began his Air Force career as a fighter pilot in 2006, amassing over 2,000 hours of flight time on various aircraft. Reflecting on his transformative year leading up to the mission, he stated, "I carry not just instruments and equipment; I carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts." Shukla has called upon fellow Indians to unite in prayer for the success of his groundbreaking mission.
