In a historic moment for India’s space programme, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla safely returned to Earth on Tuesday after completing the Axiom-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His return was celebrated as a major national achievement, with Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh declaring that “India has found a lasting space in the world of space.” Shukla, who was part of a four-member international crew, touched down in the SpaceX Dragon capsule Grace in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego around 3:00 PM IST, concluding a 22.5-hour descent following an 18-day mission in orbit. Dr. Singh lauded the event as a moment of global pride and a significant leap in India’s scientific and technological journey.
The Axiom-4 mission, featuring crew members from the U.S., Poland, Hungary, and India, exemplified international cooperation in space exploration. Shukla’s role highlighted India’s growing stature in the global space community. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—Dr. Singh described the mission as a testament to India’s role as a “Vishwa Bandhu,” or global citizen, contributing meaningfully to shared human advancement.
Underscoring the groundbreaking nature of the mission, Dr. Singh stated that the team conducted “experiments that have never been done before,” with the potential to yield scientific insights of long-term importance. After their return, the astronauts will undergo quarantine and medical evaluation until July 23. Beginning July 24, they will participate in technical debriefings with ISRO, Axiom Space, and NASA. Shukla is expected to return to India around August 17, following completion of all post-mission protocols.
Dr. Singh further emphasized that the success of Axiom-4 paves the way for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission and represents a broader step toward international space collaboration. Calling it the dawn of a new era, he noted that the mission embodies Prime Minister Modi’s vision of encouraging Indians to dream big and explore the skies—an inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
सुक्खू ने 16वें वित्तायोग से अनुदान जारी करने का अनुरोध किया
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
