Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns Home to Thrilling Reception; Set to Meet PM Modi

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, celebrated as the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS), returned to India early Sunday after completing his historic Axiom-4 mission. He was warmly welcomed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.

Mission Highlights

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Shukla embarked on the Axiom-4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched on June 25, 2025. Over his 18-day stay at the ISS, he conducted more than 60 experiments contributed by 31 countries and brought back over 580 pounds of crucial research cargo. The crew safely splashed down off the California coast on July 15 after a 22-hour descent.

National Reception

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed his return, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He said Shukla had “inspired a billion dreams” with his courage and pioneering spirit, describing the mission as a “milestone towards Gaganyaan,” India’s own upcoming human spaceflight program.

Upcoming Engagements

Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi later today before traveling to his hometown Lucknow. He will also return to Delhi to take part in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22–23.

Public Response

The atmosphere at the airport was electric as thousands gathered with tricolours to welcome the astronaut. Dinesh Choudhary, a resident of Ghaziabad, expressed the mood of the nation:

“I am very happy that astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from space and brought honour to the whole nation. Through this mission, he has made India proud. We can proudly say that Bharat is truly great.”

A Boost for India’s Space Ambitions

Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful mission is being hailed as a significant step in India’s journey toward human space exploration. Coming decades after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984, his achievement strengthens India’s standing in global space science and inspires future generations.