As India watched with pride, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history. After a 20-day journey in orbit, the IAF officer safely returned to Earth. His mission aboard the International Space Station ended with a splashdown near San Diego on Tuesday at 3:01 pm IST.
Shukla flew alongside veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, mission specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu. The international crew worked aboard the ISS, focusing on science, outreach, and spaceflight testing.
India’s Investment in Space Dreams
As per reports, the Indian Space Research Organisation spent nearly ₹550 crore on the International Space Station mission. Of this, around ₹500 crore (approximately $59 million or £43 million) was used to secure a seat for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission, including his training, according to the BBC.
ISRO has described Shukla’s journey as a vital step in advancing India’s human spaceflight ambitions. The experience is expected to contribute significantly to the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which is planned for launch in 2027.
Group Captain Shukla is one of four Indian Air Force officers selected for the country’s first crewed space mission.
A Step Towards Gaganyaan’s Future
ISRO called Shukla’s flight a key milestone. His participation is part of India’s plan for its own human space mission, Gaganyaan. That mission is expected to launch in 2027. Group Captain Shukla is one of four IAF officers selected for the Gaganyaan programme.
With this mission, Shukla became the first Indian in space after 40 years. He is also the first Indian to live and work aboard the ISS.
A Message from Orbit
Before leaving the station, Shukla shared a heartfelt message. He recalled Rakesh Sharma’s famous words from space in 1984. Then he added his own: “Today’s India looks ambitious from space… full of pride… still looks ‘saare jahan se achha.’”
Shukla’s journey may be over, but it has stirred a new space spirit back home. India’s eyes now turn to the skies, with Gaganyaan waiting on the horizon.
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