IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to return to India on this date

During his nearly two weeks on the ISS, Shukla contributed to more than 60 scientific experiments, many conceptualised and developed in Indian laboratories.

As India gears up to mark its 78th Independence Day, one more reason for celebration is on the horizon. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the pride of the nation with his spaceflight aboard Axiom-4, is likely to return to India by mid-August.

Successful Splashdown and Warm Welcome

Shukla, the pilot of the mission, completed an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station. He was joined by mission commander Peggy Whitson and fellow crew members Tibor Kapu and Slawosz Uznanski. The team made a safe return to Earth on July 15 with a splashdown off the coast of California.

Soon after landing, they were flown to Houston for post-mission checks, medical evaluations, and debriefing. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla on social media, hailing the successful mission and his safe return.

Meanwhile, ESA astronaut Uznanski reached Germany on Thursday. He will continue with debriefing sessions and recovery procedures at Cologne Bonn over the coming days.

India Readies to Welcome Its Spacefarer

Union minister Jitendra Singh said Shukla is expected to arrive in India by 17 August. He noted that several post-mission procedures are under way, including detailed reviews with ISRO and rehabilitation protocols.

“There are standard processes to follow before he returns,” Singh told PTI. “He’ll undergo physical recovery, mission analysis, and briefings with Indian space teams.”

Singh described the mission as “unprecedented” and highlighted the value of experiments conducted aboard the ISS. He said Shukla’s work in space focused on how humans adapt to microgravity, which could benefit scientific research far beyond India’s borders.

As the country prepares to honour its freedom, the return of one of its brave explorers is set to make this Independence Day even more meaningful.