After spending 18 days on the International Space Station, Indian astronaut and Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely to Earth, marking another proud milestone for India’s space journey. He flew as part of the Axiom-4 mission, launched by SpaceX, and became only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The Dragon capsule returned with Shukla and three other astronauts, landing off the California coast on Tuesday.
Emotional Farewell Message from Space
Before heading back to Earth, Shukla delivered an emotional message inspired by Rakesh Sharma’s famous quote. He said, “Today’s India looks bold, confident, and proud, just like it looked the best from space back in 1984.” He described this mission as the beginning of India’s next big leap in space exploration.
Living in Microgravity and Stunning Earth Views
During his stay on the ISS, Shukla took part in several scientific experiments. In a live radio interaction on July 8, he said that seeing Earth from space was a breathtaking experience. He also highlighted how fitness is vital on the ISS and shared that astronauts use a mini gym aboard the station. Like most astronauts, he also experienced a bit of space sickness in the beginning.
Direct Call with ISRO Chief
While on his return journey, Shukla contacted ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, thanking the Indian space team for supporting his mission. They also discussed the progress of his scientific experiments aboard the ISS.
Sleepless Nights, Fueled by Excitement
On July 4, Shukla used ham radio to connect with students from schools in Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram, sharing his space experience directly with them. He shared how he often stayed up late, not because of difficulty sleeping, but because he was eager to complete as many experiments as possible, especially those related to stem cells. He even showed the students his sleeping setup and explained how astronauts need rest to stay efficient.
Mesmerized by Earth’s Beauty
Shukla’s smiling pictures from the cupola, a panoramic viewing area on the ISS, gained widespread attention online. He shared how amazing it felt to see the Earth from space, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime view that made him feel united with all of humanity.
A Proud Moment: Conversation with PM Modi
While the mission was underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Shukla through a video call, discussing his life aboard the space station and praising his achievements. They discussed his time in space, his experiences with Indian food, raising the national flag, and adjusting to life in microgravity. The PM said, “Your name carries ‘Shubh’ (auspicious), and this mission is a ‘Shubharambh’ for India’s new space chapter.”
Serving Indian Delicacies in Space
Shukla didn’t forget to carry a piece of India with him. He shared gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras with the international crew, giving them a delicious taste of Indian culture. According to Shukla, they truly enjoyed the experience.
About the Axiom-4 Crew
The mission team, alongside Shukla, featured three international astronauts: Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, Poland’s Sławosz Uznański, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked at the ISS on June 25, after overcoming several delays due to weather and technical issues. This mission was the first for astronauts from these three nations aboard the ISS.
Family Support Before Launch
Ahead of the mission launch, Shukla’s family had the chance to meet Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe—who had flown on Axiom-1—to gain insights and reassurance about life in space. Over dinner in Lucknow, Stibbe reassured the family, explaining everything from space food to how astronauts sleep and work aboard the ISS. This personal touch gave the family peace of mind.
