The Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Scheduled To Return From ISS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot for the Indian Air Force, made history by being the first Indian to step onto the International Space Station (ISS) after their spacecraft docked following a 28-hour trip around the Earth.

Shukla, the second Indian to go to space after Rakesh Sharma, arrived at the International Space Station on Thursday with three other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 mission. They will be staying for 14 days, during which they’ll participate in a series of science experiments.

Upon arriving at the ISS, Shukla and the other astronauts received warm hugs and handshakes. “Thanks to your love and blessings, I’ve made it to the International Space Station. It seems easy to stand here, but my head feels a bit heavy, and I’m facing some challenges; however, these are just minor issues”, he shared in a brief speech in Hindi during the formal welcome ceremony at the ISS.

“I’m astronaut 634. It’s an honor to be here”, he mentioned. Shukla is set to come back to Earth on July 10, precisely 14 days after he arrived at the ISS.

Before the Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS, Shukla talked about his initial experiences in space while it orbited the Earth. He mentioned that he was adapting to life in microgravity “like a baby” and called the sensation of floating in space incredible.

In his initial message from the International Space Station, Shukla expressed gratitude to the mission commander and mentioned that he feels “privileged” to be there.

“Thanks, Peggy (Whitson, the mission commander). I’m number [Astronaut Number] 634, which is a privilege. But honestly, it’s a privilege to be one of the few who have had the opportunity to see Earth from this unique perspective that I’m experiencing now.

“It’s been an amazing journey. It’s been awesome. I was really excited to come to space. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. But the moment I stepped into the International Space Station… this crew (gestures to the Expedition-73 crew already on the ISS) made me feel so at home. You literally opened your doors for us. It was incredible. I feel even better now”.

Shukla mentioned that his head felt heavy when he arrived at the ISS, but the tricolour on his shoulder reminded him that the Indians were supporting him.

PM Modi’s Chat with Shubhanshu Shukla
During a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ISS, Shukla shared that he was set to carry out an experiment on the growth of microalgae, which are very nutritious, in microgravity. He also noted that he was investigating whether certain supplements could slow down muscle loss in microgravity, which might aid in creating treatments for muscle degeneration in older adults.

The Prime Minister urged Shukla to meticulously record all his findings, stating that they would be incredibly beneficial for India’s upcoming space missions.

“India needs to push ahead with Mission Gaganyaan, create its own space station, and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon,” Modi stated.

In his message to the youth, Shukla remarked, “The sky has never been the limit, not for me, not for you, and not for India”. He encouraged young people to embrace this mindset.

Shukla’s mission represents a significant advancement in India’s expanding involvement in international space exploration and heralds a new chapter for Indian astronauts on the world stage.

The Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Scheduled To Return From ISS

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