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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced a new scholarship named after astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian man to travel to the ISS, to support students pursuing space technology.

UP to launch scholarship in astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's name for space tech students: CM Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced a new scholarship named after astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian man to travel to the ISS, to support students pursuing space technology.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced a new scholarship in the name of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian man to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), which will support students from the state pursuing higher education in space technology.
The announcement came during a felicitation ceremony for Shukla, who recently returned from the historic Axiom-4 mission to the.
"Since Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the first citizen of Uttar Pradesh to be a part of such a space mission. We will launch a scholarship in his name for students aspiring to advance their studies in space technology," Adityanath said.
The chief minister noted that Uttar Pradesh has made rapid strides in space education in recent years.
"Four years ago, no university or institute in Uttar Pradesh offered a course, degree, diploma, or certificate in space technology. Today, institutions like Madan Mohan Malaviya Technical University in Gorakhpur and AKTU, along with over a dozen technical institutes, have started degree courses in this field. This reflects our institutions' desire to actively contribute to India's growth story," he said.
He stressed the importance of nurturing talent in emerging scientific sectors to achieve the national vision of a developed India by 2047.
"This success is not just for today or tomorrow -- it's a continuation of India's deep scientific heritage. By opening new avenues for our youth, we will strengthen India's leadership in space exploration," he said.
Adityanath lauded Shukla's contributions during his 18-day mission aboard the ISS, where the astronaut participated in over 60 experiments, including several designed by Indian scientists.
"His experience will inspire and guide future generations of Indian researchers. I warmly welcome him, his wife Kamna, his parents, and his family. His journey marks a proud moment not only for Lucknow but for the entire country," he added.
The CM also expressed Uttar Pradesh's interest in collaborating with ISRO to create more opportunities for the state's youth in space research and exploration.
Shukla also called on the chief minister at the latter's official residence in Lucknow.&nbsp;

Indian Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS, received a grand welcome in Lucknow with family, officials, and cheering crowds celebrating his historic achievement.

Triumphant Return: Air Force Captain Shukla's Historic Space Journey

Captain Shukla's Return: A Historic Space Journey

Indian Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS, received a grand welcome in Lucknow with family, officials, and cheering crowds celebrating his historic achievement.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to his hometown Lucknow on Monday to a rousing reception after becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
Although he arrived in India from the US on August 17, he is visiting the Uttar Pradesh capital now after participating in multiple outreach events, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 18.
Family members, including his parents Shambhu and Asha Shukla, wife Kamna, and son Kiash, were present at the airport to greet him. They were joined by cheering crowds waving the tricolour and chanting "Vande Mataram".
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, a troupe played drums and trumpets, while students from Shukla's alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), came dressed in vibrant costumes representing space missions and celestial objects.
CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon was among those personally welcoming the school's celebrated alumnus.
From the airport, Shukla embarked on a roadshow in an open-top vehicle, standing alongside his family as supporters lined the streets despite light drizzle. Young children lined up along the road near the airport holding umbrellas to greet Shukla, who has now become an inspiration for many.
Wearing a brown Air Force jacket with insignia and the Indian flag proudly displayed on his sleeve and an ISRO emblem on the other sleeve, Shukla waved and smiled at onlookers who showered him with applause.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who joined the celebrations, praised Shukla for bringing glory to the state and the nation. "We are elated at his achievements. Our government has supported him throughout, and multiple events are lined up to felicitate this Lucknow lad, who is now a celebrated astronaut," Pathak said.
"Later today, the chief minister will honour him. Shubhanshu told us how beautiful India looked from space and spoke eloquently about its splendour from orbit," he added.
En route to the roadshow, schoolchildren, families, and officials thronged sidewalks, holding flags and banners hailing India's newest space hero. Digital screens installed at various locations in the city also played clips of Shukla and his space mission.
Shukla, fondly nicknamed "Shux," made history with his landmark AXIOM 4 mission to the ISS, cementing India's growing presence in space exploration.

ISRO successfully carried out the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) near Sriharikota, validating the parachute-based deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module, a crucial step for safe landing in future missions.

ISRO Achieves Major Milestone with Successful Gaganyaan Parachute Test

ISRO's Successful Parachute Test for Gaganyaan Mission

ISRO successfully carried out the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) near Sriharikota, validating the parachute-based deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module, a crucial step for safe landing in future missions.

The Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) performed by ISRO on Sunday near Sriharikota marks an essential step in the system-level qualification of the parachute-based deceleration system for the Gaganyaan programme, ISRO has said.
The space agency said the test at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, "successfully demonstrated the objective of end-to-end performance validation of the critical parachute-based deceleration system of the Crew Module for Gaganyaan mission in one of the typical mission scenarios." It described the exercise as part of the "system level qualification of parachute-based deceleration system, in which a simulated Crew Module (CM), encompassing the deceleration system is dropped using a helicopter." Explaining its purpose, ISRO said, in a press release issued late on Sunday, "In Gaganyaan missions, parachute-based deceleration system is employed during the terminal phase of crew module descent to reduce the touchdown velocity to an acceptable limit for safe landing on sea." The parachute system tested was "the same as that of Gaganyaan missions" and comprised ten parachutes -- two Apex Cover Separation (ACS), two Drogue, three Pilot and three Main canopies.
The 4.8-tonne simulated Crew Module was released from about 3 km altitude using the Indian Air Force's Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. "The deceleration system initiation began with firing of ACS Mortar, which deploys the &Atilde;2.5 m ACS parachutes, which is followed by the separation of Apex cover," ISRO said.
Drogue parachutes provided the first stage of deceleration, before being released to allow three Pilot parachutes to deploy the three Main parachutes of 25 metres diameter.
"Further, main parachutes reduced the terminal velocity of the simulated Crew Module to about 8m/s. After touchdown, the Main parachutes were released using parachute releasers. These parachutes, totaling ten in number, deployed in a precise sequence to gradually decrease the velocity of the Crew Module for safe touchdown," the agency said.
The test simulated "a possible abort scenario on the launch pad," with onboard avionics commanding the deceleration sequence and telemetering data to ground.
Post splashdown, "the simulated Crew Module was successfully recovered and ferried back on INS Anvesha to Chennai port," ISRO added.
The agency said "extensive modeling of CM as well as helicopter was carried out to address the dynamics of underslung body" and multiple trial sorties were completed before clearance by the Test Authorisation Board (TAB).
Apart from ISRO centres, "other governmental agencies, including DRDO, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard also contributed in the successful accomplishment of this major test," ISRO said.
"Similar tests at different deployment conditions are planned in the forthcoming days," it added.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, after his ISS mission, expressed hope that India will soon launch astronauts from its own rocket and soil.

Shubhanshu Shukla describes ISS mission as unforgettable, inspiring India's next leap

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, after his ISS mission, expressed hope that India will soon launch astronauts from its own rocket and soil.

Excited after a successful mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday hoped someone would very soon travel to space "from our own capsule, from our rocket, from our soil".
Addressing a press conference here, Group Captain Shukla said the first-hand experience from the ISS mission was invaluable and a lot better than any training.
He also said India looks "saare jahaan se achcha (better than the entire world)" even today -- words first used by Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma after his space mission in 1984.
On his Axiom-4 Mission, Shukla said the experience from the ISS mission would be very useful for India's own Gaganyaan mission, and he learnt a lot in the past year as part of his mission.
"No matter how much training you have done, even after that, when you sit in the rocket and the engines ignite, when they catch fire, I think it is a very different feeling.
"I had not imagined how it would feel, and I was actually running behind the rocket for the first few seconds, and it took me some time to catch up to it. From that moment until the time we splashed down, the experience was unbelievable. It was so exciting and so amazing that I have really been struggling to find words to convey it to you, so that you can live that experience through my words," he said.
At the press conference, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Department of Space has been around for nearly 70 years, and officially, the ISRO was established in 1969.
".... why all this had to happen only in the last few years, why it couldn't have happened in the last five, six decades. We have started following the strategies which are followed by the rest of the world. Now, our benchmarks are global benchmarks, our strategies are global, and the parameters that we are seeking to live up to are global," he said.
Group Captain Prasanth B Nair, who is part of India's Gaganyaan crew, said, "A few months from now, we are going to have Diwali. That is the time when Ram ji entered Ayodhya. Over here right now, if I can call myself Lakshman... even though I am older than 'Shuks' (Shukla), I would love to be Lakshman to this Ram any day." "But let's remember Ram and Lakshman got a lot of help from the entire 'vanar sena', that is our fantastic ISRO team... otherwise it would not have been possible," he said.
Shukla thanked the government, ISRO and everyone else who worked hard to successfully execute the mission.
"I would also like to thank everyone who helped bring this mission to the population of our country, making it accessible for everyone to view. In the end, I would like to thank each and every citizen of this country who behaved in a way that made it feel like they actually owned this mission. I truly felt that this was a mission for the entire nation," he said.
Detailing the mission, he said, "We flew on top of the Falcon 9 vehicle in the Crew Dragon to the International Space Station for a period of two weeks and then returned.
"The launch was from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and recovery was off the coast of San Diego in the Pacific Ocean. Crew Dragon is one of the three vehicles that can currently take humans to space.
"We were also fortunate to have training on the Soyuz, which launches from Russia, as well as on Crew Dragon. The International Space Station, as you know, is an orbiting laboratory that has been operational since 2000. It has been conducting cutting-edge science and is actually a perfect example of international collaboration," he said.
Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS.&nbsp;

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares ISS experiences with PM Modi, says global scientists are eager about India’s Gaganyaan mission, as Modi stresses preparing 40-50 astronauts for future space goals.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Insights with PM Modi on India's Space Aspirations

Shubhanshu Shukla & Modi on Gaganyaan Mission

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares ISS experiences with PM Modi, says global scientists are eager about India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan mission, as Modi stresses preparing 40-50 astronauts for future space goals.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that there is a lot of interest about India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan mission around the world and scientists were keen to be part of it.
In an interaction with the prime minister on Monday evening, Shukla also shared his experiences about his space journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, adjusting to micro-gravity conditions, and the experiments he carried out on the orbital lab.
The video of Shukla's interaction with the prime minister was shared on Tuesday. &ldquo;People are very excited about India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan mission. Many of my crew mates (of the Axiom-4 mission) wanted to know about the launch,&rdquo; Shukla said.
&ldquo;Many of my crew mates even took signed declarations from me that they would be invited for the launch of Gaganyaan mission. They wanted to travel in our vehicle,&rdquo; Shukla said.
Modi said there was a need to have a pool of 40-50 astronauts ready for India&rsquo;s future space missions.
&ldquo;I had said that your mission is the first step,&rdquo; Modi said, referring to India&rsquo;s ambitions in the space sector.
Modi told Shukla that his mission to the ISS will be helpful in India&rsquo;s space ambitions.
India plans to undertake its first human spaceflight in 2027 and build its own space station by 2035. India also has plans to land its own astronaut on the moon by 2040.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged opposition parties to join a special Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful ISS mission.

Parliament to Discuss Astronaut Shukla's ISS Mission & India's Space Ambitions

India’s Space Milestones: Shukla's ISS Mission

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged opposition parties to join a special Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla&rsquo;s successful ISS mission.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged opposition parties to participate in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's successful mission to the International Space Station and India&rsquo;s strides in the space sector.
"Our hero astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla has returned home after a successful mission to International Space Station. Parliament will honour him with a special discussion on his historic milestone and India's growing space ambitions in our journey towards Viksit Bharat," Rijiju said in a post on X.
Rijiju urged members to participate in the same spirit as they had during the debate on Operation Sindoor.
"I hope that all the members will celebrate the achievements of the scientists in the same manner in which they lauded the valour of the armed forces in Operation Sindoor," Rijiju said.
The government has proposed a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the subject 'India's first astronaut aboard the International Space Station -- Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047' -- to mark Shukla's space sojourn.
Rijiju said he hoped that he members will participate in appreciating India's overall success in the space programme and celebrate ISRO's achievements.

India’s second astronaut in space, Shubhanshu Shukla, reunites with his wife and son after returning from the ISS, marking a moment of personal joy and national pride.

Shubhanshu Shukla celebrates a warm family reunion after space mission

India&rsquo;s second astronaut in space, Shubhanshu Shukla, reunites with his wife and son after returning from the ISS, marking a moment of personal joy and national pride.

Home-cooked meals, quiet family time and sharing stories from Earth and beyond... that's the kind of homecoming Kamna Shukla has planned for her astronaut husband Shubhanshu Shukla, the toast of the nation and only the second Indian to go up in space.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, or Shuks as he is known to his colleagues, friends and now legions of followers, splashed down on Earth after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday. He is the first Indian on ISS.
Shubhanshu is now in quarantine in Houston. Kamna is already there with their six-year-old son Kiash.
"Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on Earth. For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself," Kamna told PTI from Houston.
"I am already preparing some of his favourite dishes, knowing how much he must have missed home-cooked meals during his time in space." While Shubhanshu will be in quarantine until July 23, controlled visits from close family are permitted.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday evening, Shubhanshu shared heartwarming photos of him meeting his wife and son.
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"It was challenging. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home. Human spaceflight missions are magical but they are made magical by the humans. Space flight is amazing but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing," he said in the post.
"It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine family visits we had to be 8 m apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands, and that is why he could not touch his father. Every time he would come for the visit he would ask his mom 'Can I wash my hands?' It was challenging," he wrote, advising people to value their loved ones.
"Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them. We often get busy in life and forget how important the people in our lives are," he said.
Meanwhile, Kamna has been in the US ever since Shubhanshu began his prep for his lift-off on SpaceX from Florida on June 25.
The couple got married in 2009. They have known each other since Class 3 when they both studied in Lucknow&rsquo;s City Montessori School.
Kamna said phone calls from Shubhanshu were what she enjoyed the most during the 18 days he was in space.
&ldquo;Receiving his call from the International Space Station right after docking was an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Hearing his voice and knowing he was safe meant the world to me. Our conversations typically revolved around his daily activities, the unique experiments he conducted, and the extraordinary experiences he encountered, which were vastly different from life on Earth. These phone calls became the highlight of my day through 18 days,&rdquo; she said.
Shubhanshu is now a celebrity with posters of him all around his Lucknow home in Triveni Nagar, where his parents and relatives have been besieged with congratulatory messages.
&ldquo;While the nation celebrates his extraordinary accomplishment, our family will cherish quieter, personal moments of togetherness. These moments of joy, sharing familiar stories, laughter, and enjoying simple pleasures are our way of celebrating,&rdquo; Kamna said.
&ldquo;His homecoming marks a beautiful blend of personal happiness and national pride, and we are immensely grateful for all the support and warmth we&rsquo;ve received from across the country,&rdquo; she added.
The prolonged spells of separation which space voyages entail are painful, Kamna admitted, but added that she has adjusted to them. And such separations, in many ways, have strengthened their bond.
&ldquo;Being separated is undoubtedly difficult and always brings an element of pain. However, our journey with the Air Force has taught us resilience and adaptability, making these separations easier to manage over time,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;In many ways, these moments of separation have only strengthened our bond, teaching us patience, understanding, and unwavering support for each other&rsquo;s dreams. Ultimately, we embrace the idea that anything truly valuable is never attained easily.&rdquo; When you commit yourself to a mission or profession of such significance, you naturally learn to overcome the emotional challenges that come with distance, she said.
The couple is ever mindful of the greater purpose behind &ldquo;these sacrifices, recognising that significant achievements demand considerable effort and perseverance&rdquo;.
Kamna spoke with pride of the transformation of the &ldquo;shy young man&rdquo; Shuks has become into the famous astronaut he is today.
&ldquo;Seeing him interact so confidently and joyfully with students from space filled me with immense pride and happiness. Witnessing his remarkable transformation from a shy young man into a dynamic and charismatic individual capable of inspiring countless young minds is incredibly moving.
&ldquo;His journey demonstrates the incredible power of personal growth and resilience. His story deserves to be shared widely, and I am delighted to see him telling it eloquently and always with a genuine smile,&rdquo; she said.
At Lucknow&rsquo;s City Montessori School, their alma mater, Shubhanshu is the new poster boy for students, many dreaming of a career as an astronaut. And Kamna couldn&rsquo;t be more delighted.
&ldquo;I think this is absolutely fantastic. The essence of Shubhanshu&rsquo;s mission was always about inspiring the younger generation to pursue STEM fields, to innovate, and to bring cutting-edge technology to India. While the path to becoming an astronaut is challenging, it's incredibly rewarding. Those who choose this path will not only achieve personal fulfilment but also bring great honour and pride to our nation,&rdquo; she said.
Shux is also part of ISRO&rsquo;s plan to launch the Gaganyaan-India&rsquo;s first human space flight-in 2027.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s 18-day mission aboard the ISS concludes with a safe return, marking a historic step in India’s human space journey.

Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth after historic 18-day mission to ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla&rsquo;s 18-day mission aboard the ISS concludes with a safe return, marking a historic step in India&rsquo;s human space journey.

As the Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), it carried with it more than just scientific data and seed samples, it brought home a story of grit, dreams, and India's growing space ambitions.
Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a commercial spaceflight supported by ISRO and NASA, and operated by Axiom Space.
The journey marked a milestone for India: Shukla is the first Indian to step aboard the ISS and only the second Indian to go into space, following Rakesh Sharma's iconic flight in 1984.
Born on October 10, 1985&mdash;just a year after Sharma's spaceflight&mdash;Shukla grew up in Lucknow in a middle-class family with no direct links to aviation or space. But a childhood visit to an airshow lit a spark.
"As a child, he had once been to an air show and was fascinated by the speed and sound of the aircraft. That's when he first spoke about flying," his elder sister Suchi Shukla said. "But of course, there was no telling at the time how quickly he would embrace his dream."
Educated at City Montessori School (CMS), Shukla's journey to the stars was anything but scripted. In a stroke of destiny, a classmate applying to the National Defence Academy (NDA) realised he was overage and passed on the form to Shukla.
He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006 and went on to become a decorated test pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying time on advanced fighter aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Dornier-228. He later earned an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
Last year, he was chosen as one of four astronauts in India's Gaganyaan programme, alongside Prasanth Balkrishnan Nair, Angad Pratap, and Ajit Krishnan.
The quartet underwent intensive training in Russia's Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. But before Gaganyaan's scheduled launch in 2027, Shukla got the opportunity to fly as part of the Ax-4 crew&mdash;an Indian was part of a human spaceflight mission after 41 years.
After several postponements, Shukla finally launched from the Kennedy Space Center on June 25, aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Ten minutes into the mission, the Dragon capsule entered orbit, prompting Shukla to declare in Hindi, "Kamaal ki ride thi" ("It was a great ride") and share his sense of national pride: "I have the Indian tricolour embossed on my shoulders that tells me I am with all of you."
Nicknamed "Shux" and known for his composed demeanour, Shukla carried Indian delicacies to space, including gajar ka halwa and moong dal ka halwa, so his international crewmates could get a taste of home.
His launch-day song "Yun Hi Chala Chal" from the Shah Rukh Khan film Swades turned out to be a fitting choice for an astronaut on a mission about discovery, identity, and the journey home.
On board the ISS, Shukla was the pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Together, they not only conducted science experiments but also engaged in outreach to students and space communities across the globe.
Shukla conducted seven India-led microgravity experiments across diverse domains of life sciences, agriculture, space biotechnology, and cognitive research.
"I am so proud that ISRO has been able to collaborate with national institutions all over the country and come up with some fantastic research, which I am doing here on the station," Shukla said during an interaction with Axiom's chief scientist Lucie Low.
A highlight was the plant germination experiment led by scientists Ravikumar Hosamani (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad) and Sudheer Siddapureddy (IIT Dharwad). Shukla planted moong and methi seeds in petri dishes and captured their sprouting progress, inserting them into cold storage for later analysis back on Earth.
The goal is to study how microgravity influences plant growth, microbial interactions, and genetic expression, which are key insights for long-term space farming.
In another project, he worked with cyanobacteria and microalgae, which are organisms being explored for their ability to produce food, oxygen, and biofuels in space. These tiny life forms may hold the key to sustainable life-support systems during deep space missions.
He also participated in stem cell research, exploring whether supplements can aid in injury repair and tissue regeneration in space. "It's been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research. I feel proud to be a bridge between scientists on Earth and the station," Shukla said.
One of his lighter experiments was a zero-gravity demonstration involving water.
Shukla created a floating water bubble and joked, "I've become a water bender here on the station," as his commander used a plastic bag to show how surface tension manipulates light in space like a lens.
As the mission neared completion, Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates joined astronauts of Expedition 73, a long-duration mission, for a farewell ceremony on July 13. In his remarks, he thanked the ISS crew and ISRO for its support in developing a research portfolio and an outreach programme for students and STEM communities in India.
Shukla interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students, and also connected with ISRO centres using amateur radio. "It's not just my journey, it's India's," he said.
"From a curious young learner in our classrooms to a pioneering astronaut, Shux's story beautifully encapsulates our mission of 'Education for World Unity and Peace'," said Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, a student at CMS, Lucknow, during the watch party the school had organised for the launch of the mission.
Shukla's mission ends with Dragon 'Grace' spacecraft's splash down near the California coast on Tuesday but his story will continue.
With Gaganyaan on the horizon and new avenues in space research opening up, his experience is expected to be instrumental in shaping India's human spaceflight programme.
In Shukla's own words from the station: "I want each one of you to be part of this journey. Let us embark on India's human space programme together."

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully completes all microgravity experiments on the ISS under the Axiom-4 mission and begins return journey to Earth.

Shubhanshu Shukla completes 7 experiments on ISS: ISRO

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully completes all microgravity experiments on the ISS under the Axiom-4 mission and begins return journey to Earth.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven microgravity experiments and other planned activities, achieving a significant milestone in the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO said on Monday.
It said that experiments on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds and Voyager Display have been completed as planned.
On July 13, 2025, the Expedition 73 Crew members onboard International Space Station (ISS) joined Axiom-4 crew members, including ISRO's Gaganyatri, for a farewell ceremony ahead of the departure of the Axiom-4 mission crew from ISS.
"Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, while speaking at the farewell ceremony, thanked Expedition 73 crew members for their support along with team ISRO for developing a scientific research portfolio, associated protocols as well as designing student outreach activities with national participation," ISRO said.
Shukla and three other astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission began their return journey to Earth on Monday as the Dragon Grace spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station after an 18-day stay.
Following a series of orbital manoeuvres after undocking, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down near the coast of California on Tuesday at 3.01 pm IST.
Satcom Industry Association-India Director General Anil Prakash said Shukla's 18-day mission aboard the ISS isn't just a milestone; it heralds India's leap into the space-biotech frontier.
"This mission, made possible through strategic private-sector engagement, showcases a powerful public-private partnership, transforming space research into sustainable biotech innovation," Prakash said.
"SIA-India applauds this collaborative breakthrough in propelling India from space exploration to global space-driven biotech leadership," Prakash said.
During his stay at the ISS, Shukla interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students, and also connected with ISRO centres using amateur radio.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla led key zero-gravity experiments aboard ISS, including seed germination, microalgae deployment, and stem cell studies.

Shubhanshu Shukla showcases zero-gravity experiment aboard ISS

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla led key zero-gravity experiments aboard ISS, including seed germination, microalgae deployment, and stem cell studies.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission pilot, has showcased a zero-gravity experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) involving water to illustrate how microgravity transforms everyday physics.
The experiment, part of Axiom Space's outreach and scientific mission, highlighted the unique behaviour of water in space.
After an 18-day stay at the ISS, Shukla and three others -- commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary -- of the commercial Axiom-4 mission set off on a return journey to Earth on Monday evening.
Using surface tension to their advantage, Shukla formed a floating water bubble.
"I've become a water bender here in the station," he joked.
Another astronaut, Whitson, further went on to press a plastic bag gently into the sphere, demonstrating how surface tension behaves like a magnet in microgravity by clinging to the object and distorting light like a lens.
The astronauts also spoke about the opportunity not just to engage in science but also to communicate the wonder and beauty of Earth from space.
"I try to savour every moment I get -- just sitting by the window and looking down. It's the most beautiful view I've seen," Shukla said onboard the ISS.
Whitson explained that the crew is nearing the end of their two-week mission, during which they've balanced rigorous scientific research with education and public engagement.
Their mission has also included outreach to students and STEM communities around the globe, including in India, Hungary, and Poland.
Asked about re-entering Earth's gravity, Whitson was frank: "From me having experienced it, I know first person -- it sucks. Gravity really does." Shukla, on his maiden spaceflight, said he hopes to handle the descent better than his ascent, which involved some space motion sickness.
In the final leg of his space sojourn, Shukla turned into a farmer, taking photos of 'moong' and 'methi' seeds sprouting in petri dishes and inserting them into a storage freezer on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a study on how microgravity influences germination and early plant development.
"I am so proud that ISRO has been able to collaborate with national institutions all over the country and come up with some fantastic research which I am doing on the station for all the scientists and researchers. It is exciting and a joy to do this," Shukla said in an interaction with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Lucie Low on June 9.
The sprouts experiment is led by two scientists -- Ravikumar Hosamani of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and Sudheer Siddapureddy of the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad.
Once returned to Earth, the seeds will be cultivated over several generations to examine changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems and nutritional profiles, a statement from Axiom Space said.
In another experiment, Shukla deployed and stowed microalgae, which are being investigated for their potential to produce food, oxygen and even biofuels. Their resilience and versatility make them ideal for supporting human life on long-duration missions.
Shukla also captured images for the crop seeds experiment, where six varieties will be grown over multiple generations post-mission. The goal is to identify plants with desirable traits for genetic analysis for sustainable farming in space.
Shukla said his research tasks on the space station spanned various domains and disciplines.
"Right from doing stem cell research and looking at the effect of microgravity on seeds, evaluating the cognitive load on astronauts while they are interacting with screens onboard the station. It has been fantastic. I feel proud to be this kind of a bridge between the researchers and the station and do the research on behalf of them," he said last week.
"One particular research I am really excited about is stem cell research where scientists are trying to explore whether it is possible to accelerate recovery or growth or repair injury by adding supplements to stem cells. It has been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research for them. I am really excited to be doing this," Shukla said.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said the experiments carried out by Shukla related to life sciences and other fields were supported by indigenous kits.
"As the Prime Minister says 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the world is one family - the benefits of all these experiments done by an Indian using indigenous kits will benefit the entire world," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a consultative meeting on ease of doing research and development held at IIT Jammu.
"The most important point is that the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu used kits provided by the Institute of Biotechnology and the Indian Institute of Science and IIT.
"This means we used indigenous kits, conducted indigenous experiments, and had an Indian astronaut carrying them out. These are experiments whose benefits will also be shared with other countries," he said.
He said the experiments carried out in space were based on concepts that had not been imagined until now, and Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to have conducted them.
"In life sciences, one of the experiments involved studying the effect of space on muscles, since in space, muscle dysfunction and wasting occur, and how that can be prevented.
"Another experiment examined the cognitive effects of using gadgets over the long term in space, and what kind of impact this could have on the heart and brain, and how those effects can be mitigated," he said.&nbsp;

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates undock from the ISS aboard Dragon Grace for their return to Earth after 18 days in orbit.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla begins journey back to Earth after historic Axiom-4 mission to ISS

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his Ax-4 crewmates undock from the ISS aboard Dragon Grace for their return to Earth after 18 days in orbit.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three international crewmates from the Axiom-4 mission have commenced their return journey to Earth after spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The crew undocked aboard the Dragon Grace spacecraft, marking the start of their 22-hour descent back to Earth.
The spacecraft is expected to splash down off the coast of California at 3 PM IST on Tuesday.
Before departure, Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shubhanshu 'Shux' Shukla, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu were seen donning their flight suits and boarding the Dragon Grace capsule. The hatch connecting the spacecraft to the ISS was sealed at 2:37 PM, following which the crew conducted final system checks in preparation for reentry.
The mission was launched on June 25, when a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket lifted off from Florida, carrying the Dragon capsule and the four-member crew to the orbiting space station. This mission marked a notable return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after a gap of over 40 years.
Shukla recalled the time when his icon Rakesh Sharma had travelled to space 41 years ago and described how India looked from there.
"We all are still curious to know how India looks today from above. Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat garv se purn dikhta hai. (Today's India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride)," Shukla said.
"It is because of all these reasons, I can say it once again that today's India still looks 'saare jahan se accha'," he said.
A formal farewell ceremony on the ISS on Sunday was marked by brief remarks by the Ax-4 crew, some of whom appeared to have got emotional as they hugged the members of the Expedition 73 with whom new friendships were forged during the stay.
"I didn't imagine all of this when I started on the Falcon-9 on June 25. I think it has been incredible because of the people involved. People standing behind me (the Expedition 73 crew), have made it really special for us. It was an incredible joy to be here and work alongside professionals like you," Shukla said.
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on earth under the influence of gravity, unlike the weightlessness experienced in orbit.
It has been a historic trip for Shukla, who became the first Indian to travel to the ISS and only the second to travel to space after Sharma's pathbreaking spaceflight as part of the then Soviet Union's mission to Salyut-7 space station in 1984.
ISRO paid approximately Rs 550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS, an experience that will help the space agency in the planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth after 18-day Axiom-4 mission aboard the ISS, with splashdown scheduled off California.

Shubhanshu Shukla to set on return journey to earth Monday evening

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return to Earth after 18-day Axiom-4 mission aboard the ISS, with splashdown scheduled off California.

After an 18-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS), astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others of the commercial Axiom-4 mission are setting off on a return journey to Earth on Monday.
Shukla, who became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 odyssey, will board Dragon spacecraft at around 2 pm IST and embark on the return journey two hours later.
"Undocking from the ISS is scheduled for no earlier than 6:05 am CT (4:35 pm IST)," Axiom Space said in a statement.
"After a 22.5-hour journey back to Earth, the crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California at approximately 4:31 am CT (3:01 pm IST on Tuesday)," it added.
On Sunday, the Expedition's 73 astronauts organised a traditional farewell ceremony for the Axiom-4 crew comprising Shukla, commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
The Axiom-4 mission marked the return to space for India, Poland and Hungary after over four decades.
"Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hai (we will meet on earth soon)," Shukla said at the farewell ceremony onboard the ISS on Sunday.
The descent of Dragon spacecraft from the ISS is designed to be completely autonomous.
After undocking, Dragon will perform a series of engine burns to safely distance itself from the ISS and begin re-entry procedures.
Final preparations include detaching the capsule's trunk and orienting the heat shield ahead of atmospheric entry, which will expose the spacecraft to temperatures nearing 1,600 degrees Celsius.
Parachutes will deploy in two stages -- first stabilising chutes at about 5.7 km altitude followed by the main parachutes at roughly two km.
Splashdown is expected off the coast of California approximately 22.5 hours after undocking and the space capsule will be recovered by a specialised ship.
Shukla recalled the time when his icon Rakesh Sharma had travelled to space 41 years ago and described how India looked from there.
"We all are still curious to know how India looks today from above. Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat garv se purn dikhta hai. (Today's India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride)," Shukla said.
"It is because of all these reasons, I can say it once again that today's India still looks 'saare jahan se accha'," he said.
A formal farewell ceremony on the ISS on Sunday was marked by brief remarks by the Ax-4 crew, some of whom appeared to have got emotional as they hugged the members of the Expedition 73 with whom new friendships were forged during the stay.
"I didn't imagine all of this when I started on the Falcon-9 on June 25. I think it has been incredible because of the people involved. People standing behind me (the Expedition 73 crew), have made it really special for us. It was an incredible joy to be here and work alongside professionals like you," Shukla said.
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on earth under the influence of gravity, unlike the weightlessness experienced in orbit.
It has been a historic trip for Shukla, who became the first Indian to travel to the ISS and only the second to travel to space after Sharma's pathbreaking spaceflight as part of the then Soviet Union's mission to Salyut-7 space station in 1984.
ISRO paid approximately Rs 550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS, an experience that will help the space agency in the planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reflects on India's pride from space, wrapping up his historic 18-day ISS mission ahead of return to Earth.

'Saare jahan se accha': Shubhanshu Shukla says India looks fearless, confident from space

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reflects on India's pride from space, wrapping up his historic 18-day ISS mission ahead of return to Earth.

India still looks 'saare jahan se accha' from space, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said on Sunday, wrapping up his 18-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS) reprising the words used by his icon Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Shukla, who is set to begin his journey back to earth on Monday evening India time, also said that today's India looks full of ambition, fearless and confident from space, adding his own touch to describe the views of the country from the orbital lab.
"Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hai (we will meet on earth soon)," Shukla said at a formal farewell ceremony onboard the ISS on Sunday.
Shukla recalled the time when his icon Rakesh Sharma had travelled to space 41 years ago and described how India looked from there.
"We all are still curious to know how India looks today from above. Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat garv se purn dikhta hai. (Today's India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride)," Shukla said.
"It is because of all these reasons, I can say it once again that today's India still looks 'saare jahan se accha'," he said.
The Axiom 4 (Ax-4) crew Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu embarked on the space odyssey on June 25 from Florida and docked at the ISS on June 26.
The final days of the 18-day stay of the Ax-4 crew at the ISS were marked by feasts and farewells with seven other residents of the orbital laboratory.
A formal farewell ceremony on the ISS on Sunday was marked by brief remarks by the Ax-4 crew, some of whom appeared to have got emotional as they hugged the members of the Expedition 73 with whom new friendships were forged during the stay.
"I didn't imagine all of this when I started on the Falcon-9 on June 25. I think it has been incredible because of the people involved. People standing behind me (the Expedition 73 crew), have made it really special for us. It was an incredible joy to be here and work alongside professionals like you," said Shukla.
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said the Axiom-4 mission is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 4:35 pm IST on Monday and reach back on earth on Tuesday off the California coast at 3 pm.
The four astronauts are expected to spend seven days in rehabilitation as they adjust back to life on earth under the influence of gravity, unlike the weightlessness experienced in orbit.
It has been a historic trip for Shukla, who became the first Indian to travel to the ISS and only the second to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's pathbreaking spaceflight as part of the then Soviet Union's mission to Salyut-7 space station in 1984.
So far, Shukla has spent 18 days in space, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets every day as the ISS travels at a speed of 28,000 km per hour in an orbit about 400 km above the Earth.
ISRO paid approximately Rs 550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS, an experience that will help the space agency in the planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027.
Shukla and the three other astronauts are expected to board the spacecraft at 2.25 pm IST, wear their space suits and carry out the necessary tests before they begin their journey to the Earth.
The ISS is orbiting the Earth at a speed of 28,000 km per hour, and the Dragon spacecraft will initiate the autonomous undocking process to gradually slow down and re-enter the planet's atmosphere for a splashdown off the coast of California.
"The Dragon spacecraft will return with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted throughout the mission," NASA said.
During his stay at the ISS, Shukla worked on the microalgae experiment, deploying and stowing samples that could one day provide food, oxygen and biofuels for deep-space missions, Axiom Space said in a statement.
The resilience of the microalgae makes them a promising asset to sustain life beyond Earth, it added.
"Exercise research and spacesuit maintenance topped the schedule for the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 crews on Thursday," the NASA statement said.
The crew also continued the Voyager Displays study, which examines how spaceflight affects eye movement and coordination.
The crew collected data for a study to explore how astronauts perceive and interact with their environment in orbit, which is critical for designing mentally supportive habitats for long-duration missions.
Another study focused on cerebral blood flow, investigating how microgravity and elevated carbon dioxide levels affect cardiovascular function, which could later benefit both astronauts and patients on the Earth.
Radiation exposure was monitored using the compact Rad Nano Dosimeter, a tool to assess astronaut safety.
The crew participated in the Acquired Equivalence Test, a cognitive experiment that measures learning and adaptability in space and supported the PhotonGrav study by collecting brain activity data to explore neuroadaptive technologies for space and medical applications.&nbsp;

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 crew to return from the ISS on July 14 after completing 230 orbits and 60+ scientific experiments.

Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla to return to earth on July 14, says NASA

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 crew to return from the ISS on July 14 after completing 230 orbits and 60+ scientific experiments.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of the Axiom-4 mission are set to return to earth from the International Space Station on July 14, NASA said on Thursday.
"We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission and the current target to undock is July 14 after the high beta period," Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, told a press conference on the Crew-11 mission to the space station slated for July 31.
The Axiom-4 mission was launched from the Kennedy Space Centre at Florida on June 25 and the Dragon spacecraft docked at the International Space Station on June 26 after a 28-hour journey.
A "high beta period" for the space station refers to times when the angle between the ISS's orbital plane and the sun is high, typically above 70 degrees.
During these periods, the ISS experiences near-constant sunlight, as it spends a greater portion of each orbit in daylight. This can cause overheating and requires careful thermal management by NASA.
Shukla and his Axiom-4 crew have witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and travelled nearly 100 lakh kms in space at the end of two weeks on the orbital laboratory.
The Axiom-4 crew, comprising Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, also took their final off-duty day on the ISS.
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew has completed close to 230 orbits around Earth and travelled more than six million miles (96.5 lakh kms), an Axiom Space statement said.
During his two-week stay on the space station, Shukla has interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spoke to scientists at ISRO, addressed school students in a live session and also connect to ISRO centres using HAM radio.
"From about 250 miles above the Earth, the crew spent their downtime capturing images and video, taking in the view of our home planet below, and reconnecting with loved ones," the statement said.
These moments offer a rare pause in an otherwise rigorous daily schedule, it said.
With over 60 experiments across biomedical science, advanced materials, neuroscience, agriculture, and space technology, the Ax-4 mission includes the most research conducted on an Axiom Space private astronaut mission to date.
These investigations could transform the future of human space exploration and life on Earth, with potential breakthroughs in areas such as diabetes management, innovative cancer treatments, and enhanced monitoring of human health and performance.
As the crew resumes their scientific duties, they continue to demonstrate how commercial missions contribute meaningfully to microgravity research and space exploration.
"Every test tube, data point, and observation brings us one step closer to a global community living and working in low-Earth orbit and, eventually, beyond," Axiom Space said.&nbsp;

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla conducts pivotal agriculture research on ISS during the Axiom-4 mission, focusing on plant growth in microgravity, with contributions from leading Indian scientists.

Shubhanshu Shukla sprouts moong on ISS

Onboard the ISS, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla spearheads crucial research into the effects of microgravity on 'moong' and 'methi' seeds. This study, part of Axiom-4 mission, seeks to enhance understanding of plant growth in space, vital for future missions.

Shubhanshu Shukla, on the Axiom-4 mission aboard the ISS, conducts agriculture experiments on 'moong' and 'methi' seeds in microgravity, with findings aimed at understanding plant growth in space, supported by Indian scientists.

In the final leg of his space sojourn, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla turned into a farmer, taking photos of 'moong' and 'methi' seeds sprouting in petri dishes and inserting them into a storage freezer on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a study on how microgravity influences germination and early plant development.
Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 astronauts have spent 12 days on the orbital lab and they are expected to return to Earth any day after July 10, depending on the weather conditions off the Florida coast.
NASA is yet to announce a date for the undocking of the Axiom-4 mission from the space station. The duration of the Axiom-4 mission docked to the ISS is up to 14 days.
"I am so proud that ISRO has been able to collaborate with national institutions all over the country and come up with some fantastic research which I am doing on the station for all the scientists and researchers. It is exciting and a joy to do this," Shukla said in an interaction with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Lucie Low on Wednesday.
The sprouts experiment is led by two scientists &ndash; Ravikumar Hosamani of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and Sudheer Siddapureddy of the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad.
Once returned to Earth, the seeds will be cultivated over several generations to examine changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems and nutritional profiles, a statement from Axiom Space said.
In another experiment, Shukla deployed and stowed microalgae, which are being investigated for their potential to produce food, oxygen and even biofuels. Their resilience and versatility make them ideal for supporting human life on long-duration missions.
Shukla also captured images for the crop seeds experiment, where six varieties will be grown over multiple generations post-mission. The goal is to identify plants with desirable traits for genetic analysis for sustainable farming in space.
Shukla said his research tasks on the space station spanned various domains and disciplines.
"Right from doing stem cell research and looking at the effect of microgravity on seeds, evaluating the cognitive load on astronauts while they are interacting with screens onboard the station. It has been fantastic. I feel proud to be this kind of a bridge between the researchers and the station and do the research on behalf of them," he said.
"One particular research I am really excited about is stem cell research where scientists are trying to explore whether it is possible to accelerate recovery or growth or repair injury by adding supplements to stem cells. It has been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research for them. I am really excited to be doing this," Shukla said.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla’s family after he became the first Indian to enter the ISS, a moment hailed as a landmark for India’s space ambitions and global collaboration.

'Historic day for India': CM Adityanath meets Shubhanshu Shukla's family after his ISS entry

UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla&rsquo;s family after he became the first Indian to enter the ISS, a moment hailed as a landmark for India&rsquo;s space ambitions and global collaboration.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met the family of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla's mother Asha Shukla, father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, sister Suchi Mishra, and nephew Vaishvik Mishra made a courtesy call at the chief minister's official residence.
"A historic day for India!" Adityanath posted on X in English.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A historic day for India! Congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji, Bharat rises as a global force in space science and collaboration.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/lnkDF3TMjq">pic.twitter.com/lnkDF3TMjq</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1938220662998364206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Bharat rises as a global force in space science and collaboration," he added.
"Salute to this journey carrying the dreams and hopes of 140 crore Indians. Wishing the entire Axiom Mission 4 crew great success!," he said, signing off his message with a "Jai Hindi" and tricolour.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
भारतीय अंतरिक्ष यात्री, ग्रुप कैप्टन श्री शुभांशु शुक्ला जी की माता श्रीमती आशा शुक्ला जी, पिता श्री शंभू दयाल शुक्ला जी, बहन सुश्री शुचि मिश्रा जी तथा भतीजे श्री वैश्विक मिश्रा जी ने आज लखनऊ स्थित सरकारी आवास पर शिष्टाचार भेंट की। <a href="https://t.co/R5DuWQBuFE">pic.twitter.com/R5DuWQBuFE</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1938241126604865555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Adityanath had on Wednesday lauded the extraordinary human feat involving the Lucknow-born Shukla on social media, hailing the mission as a testament to India's scientific progress and global collaboration.
Separately, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai also visited the Shukla residence on Thursday to extend his greetings.
Accompanied by senior leaders including Naseemuddin Siddiqui, Shyam Kishore Shukla, and others, Rai felicitated the astronaut's parents with a shawl and said, "The entire nation and state are proud of your son. His achievement will inspire not only the present generation but generations to come."&nbsp;
The family's joy was further heightened on Thursday as Shubhanshu and three fellow astronauts successfully entered the ISS after their Dragon spacecraft, Grace, docked with the station's Harmony module.&nbsp;
The docking occurred at 4:01 pm IST over the North Atlantic Ocean, concluding a 28-hour journey around Earth. This marked the first time an Indian astronaut set foot on the orbital laboratory.
On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak had also visited the Shukla household in Lucknow. "It's a day of immense pride for all of us," he said, presenting a bouquet to Shambhu Dayal Shukla. The family, joined by Pathak, also posed beside a life-size cutout of the astronaut, affectionately referred to with his call sign "Shux."

shubhanshu shukla

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