Lucknow, July 15, 2025 – The city of Lucknow erupted in celebration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), safely returned to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft “Grace” during the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California, at 3:01 p.m. IST on July 15, 2025, marking the end of an 18-day historic journey. This article for NRIGlobe.com details Shukla’s triumphant return, the mission’s significance, and the pride sweeping his hometown of Lucknow.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Homecoming

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot and astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), became the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. As the mission pilot for Ax-4, Shukla spent 18 days on the ISS, conducting over 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by ISRO. His safe return after a 22.5-hour journey from the ISS sparked widespread joy in Lucknow.

Shukla’s family in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, expressed immense pride. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, told ANI, “We are thrilled that our son has returned safely from this historic mission. He has made the nation proud.” His mother, Asha Shukla, added, “Our hearts are full of joy seeing him back on Earth.” The family decorated their home with lights and posters of Shukla, nicknamed “Shux,” and offered prayers at a local temple, including a Sundarkand recitation, for his safe return.

Axiom-4 Mission: A Leap for India’s Space Program

Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ax-4 mission was a collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, ISRO, and Axiom Space. The crew, led by Commander Peggy Whitson and including mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), docked with the ISS on June 26. Extended from 14 to nearly 19 days, the mission allowed Shukla to conduct experiments on muscle loss, digestion, mental health, microalgae cultivation, and tardigrade resilience in space, advancing ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.

The Dragon spacecraft “Grace” undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module on July 14 at 4:45 p.m. IST. After orbit-lowering maneuvers, a de-orbit burn, and parachute-assisted splashdown, it landed safely at 3:01 p.m. IST on July 15. SpaceX confirmed the success, stating, “Welcome back to Earth, AstroPeggy, Shux, astro_slawosz, and Tibi!” The crew is now in a 10-day quarantine for medical checks and readjustment to Earth’s gravity.

Lucknow’s Pride: Shukla’s Stellar Journey

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Shukla was inspired by the 1999 Kargil War to join the IAF. A National Defence Academy graduate with a degree in computer science, he was commissioned in 2006 and has over 2,000 flight hours on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-21. Promoted to Group Captain in 2024, Shukla trained for the Gaganyaan program in Russia and at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

His alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, organized a watch party during the Ax-4 launch, with students cheering his achievement. CMS president Geeta Gandhi Kingdon said, “Shubhanshu’s journey embodies our vision of global unity and excellence.” Posters of Shukla adorned Lucknow’s streets, reflecting the city’s pride.

National and Global Recognition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shukla on X, stating, “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the ISS is a proud moment for India. He has ignited the dreams of millions.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, “Shukla’s mission elevates India’s space ambitions.” President Droupadi Murmu and Science Minister Jitendra Singh hailed the mission as a milestone for India’s lunar and space station goals by 2040 and 2035, respectively.

Axiom Space’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Lucie Low, commended Shukla’s work, saying, “Shux’s contributions to ISRO’s experiments, especially in the glove box, were invaluable.” The mission, costing India ₹548 crore, faced some criticism on X for its expense but was defended for its role in training astronauts and fostering international collaboration.

Cultural Touches and Emotional Farewell

During his ISS farewell, Shukla echoed Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words, saying, “Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi, nidar, aur garv se purn dikhta hai (Today’s India looks ambitious, fearless, and proud).” He concluded, “Jaldi hi dharti pe mulaqat karte hai (See you soon on Earth).” Shukla brought Indian flavors to space, sharing mango nectar, carrot halva, and moong dal halva with his crew, along with a swan figurine symbolizing Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom.

Impact on India’s Space Ambitions

The Ax-4 mission strengthens India’s path toward the Gaganyaan mission and long-term goals of a space station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040. Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association, said, “Shukla’s success paves the way for India’s crewed space endeavors.” The mission also bolsters Indo-US space ties and India’s growing private space sector.

Celebrations in Lucknow

Shukla’s family plans a grand welcome with music and festivities when he returns to India on August 17, 2025. His sister, Suchi Mishra, told News18, “This feels like his rebirth. We’re overjoyed.” Lucknow’s schools and communities organized events, with posters and banners celebrating their hometown hero.

Stay Informed with NRIGlobe

For the latest updates on Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission, India’s space program, and breaking news, visit NRIGlobe.com. Stay tuned for details on his Lucknow homecoming.

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