NEW DELHI– As Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to return to Earth on July 15 after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), leaders across India’s political spectrum are celebrating his achievement as a proud milestone for the nation and its growing space ambitions.
Shukla’s role in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) marks a historic moment—he is the first Indian astronaut in 41 years to reach the ISS. His journey home begins with undocking from the space station at 4:30 p.m. IST on July 14, with splashdown expected in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast around 3:00 p.m. IST on July 15.
Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey called the moment one of “immense pride” for the country.
“It’s a proud day for all Indians. Shubhanshu Shukla has brought great honor to the nation. Very few people on Earth have achieved what he has. The entire country is eagerly awaiting his return, and we’re all looking forward to the insights he’ll share from his time in space,” Dubey said.
BJP leader Sanjay Upadhyay echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the mission’s significance for India’s scientific and educational communities.
“It’s a proud moment for the country that a brilliant scientist like Shubhanshu Shukla is returning home after a successful space mission. Students and young scientists across India are eager to hear about his experiences. The knowledge he brings back will inspire generations to come,” Upadhyay noted.
BJP MP Agnimitra Paul also praised Shukla’s achievements, connecting them to India’s broader trajectory of global excellence.
“This is a proud moment for all of us. Shukla returns after conducting critical experiments in space. Thanks to the vision and inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indians in every field are making a mark on the world stage. I congratulate the entire nation on this extraordinary accomplishment,” she told IANS.
During his 18-day mission, Shukla and the Ax-4 crew conducted more than 60 advanced scientific experiments across diverse fields, including biology, materials science, human health, and artificial intelligence. His contributions are expected to play a key role in shaping India’s future space programs.
At least seven of the experiments were developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aimed at gathering critical data for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. One particularly notable experiment involved photographing six varieties of crop seeds in microgravity—these samples will be genetically analyzed after the mission to support research in space-based agriculture.
In a conversation with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low, Shukla expressed deep pride in his dual role during the mission.
“I feel honored to serve as a bridge between researchers on Earth and the station—conducting vital research on their behalf,” he said. (Source: IANS)
