Is Shubhanshu Shukla in Stable Condition After His ISS Return?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS.
- He returned to Earth in a stable condition with no immediate health concerns.
- ISRO collaborates with Axiom Space for his rehabilitation.
- The rehabilitation program focuses on both physical and mental health.
- Shukla's reunion with his family highlights the importance of human connections.
New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this week, is reported to be in stable condition, as per the latest update from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday.
ISRO stated that it is collaborating with Axiom Space for rehabilitation exercises and is actively monitoring both the physical and mental health of Shukla. The space agency emphasized that initial health assessments indicate no immediate health concerns.
On June 26, Shukla made history by becoming the first person from India to reach the orbiting laboratory. The IAF Group Captain returned to Earth on Tuesday alongside fellow astronauts from the United States, Poland, and Hungary aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, named 'Grace'.
ISRO confirmed that the initial health evaluations were conducted on the recovery ship.
“The initial health assessments indicated that Shukla is in stable condition with no immediate concerns reported,” stated ISRO.
Subsequently, Shukla was airlifted by helicopter from the recovery vessel to the mainland for comprehensive medical evaluations and debriefing sessions.
Later, he was transported to Houston for a week-long rehabilitation program aimed at alleviating any adverse effects caused by microgravity.
ISRO elaborated that the rehabilitation activities for Gaganyatri focus on monitoring physical and mental health, addressing any impacts of microgravity, and preparing him for a seamless transition back to normal activities.
“This includes a series of medical checks, particularly cardiovascular evaluations, musculoskeletal assessments, and psychological debriefing. Axiom’s flight surgeon is overseeing this program, with participation from ISRO’s flight surgeon as well,” added the national space agency.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Shukla joyfully reunited with his wife, Kamna Shukla, and six-year-old son, Kiash Shukla, following his 18-day mission aboard the ISS.
“Returning to Earth and embracing my family felt like coming home. Make sure to reach out to a loved one today and express your love. Life gets busy, and we sometimes overlook how vital our loved ones are. Human spaceflight missions are extraordinary, but it’s the people that make them truly magical,” expressed the astronaut.
Shukla remarked that the experience of space travel is awe-inspiring, yet the joy of reuniting with family after so long is equally remarkable.
“I’ve been in quarantine for two months. During that time, we had to maintain an 8-meter distance during family visits. My little one had to learn that he couldn’t touch his father because of germs on his hands,” he shared.
“Every time he visited, he would ask his mother, ‘Can I wash my hands?’ It was certainly a challenge,” concluded Shukla.