Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India in the early hours on Sunday, marking the successful conclusion of the historic Axiom-4 mission. Shukla, who spent 21 days in space, was greeted by top dignitaries, including ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Union MoS for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, upon landing in Delhi.
Hero’s Welcome at Delhi Airport
Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared a video of the grand reception on X (formerly Twitter), describing Shukla as “the iconic son of Mother India.” He wrote, “India’s Space glory touches the Indian soil… as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, lands at Delhi in the early hours of morning today.”
Shukla was accompanied by Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the backup astronaut for the mission. Both were warmly welcomed at the airport and later greeted by a group of enthusiastic students, highlighting the excitement surrounding India’s space achievements.
A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.
India’s Space glory touches the Indian soil… as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla… pic.twitter.com/0QJsYHpTuS
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 16, 2025
Axiom-4 Mission Highlights
Shukla served as mission pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, which launched aboard the Dragon Grace spacecraft on June 25, 2025. The crew included mission commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu.
The mission marked a series of milestones for India in space exploration. Shukla became only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He learned a lot about long-duration spaceflight, engaged in orbital operations, and carried out scientific experiments throughout his 21-day assignment.
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Shukla’s Reflections on Space
Shukla expressed his gratitude to the Indian government, ISRO, the Indian Air Force, NASA, and SpaceX for making the mission possible. In a statement, he said, “The 21 days in space exceeded my expectations. It has filled me with a sense of purpose. This is only the beginning.”
India’s increasing influence in the global space industry is demonstrated by the way his journey has motivated a new generation of Indian scholars and space enthusiasts.
Significance for India’s Space Program
Shukla’s mission adds momentum to India’s ambitious plans in space exploration and international collaboration. His productive time on the ISS enhances relations with other space organizations and shows off India’s capacity for human spaceflight.
Shukla’s safe return has further improved India’s standing in the space world by opening the door for additional Indian astronauts to take part in upcoming private and international space missions through ISRO and the Indian Air Force.
