How Did Shubhanshu Shukla Feel After Reuniting with His Family?
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Synopsis
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's emotional reunion with his family after an 18-day mission aboard the ISS highlights the importance of love and connection. His journey inspires millions and marks a significant step towards India's Gaganyaan mission.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS.
- His reunion emphasizes the value of family and love.
- He spent two months in quarantine before reuniting with his family.
- Shukla's mission serves as an inspiration for India's future in space exploration.
- The Gaganyaan mission is set to launch in 2027.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) In a heartwarming reunion, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embraced his wife, Kamna Shukla, and their six-year-old son, Kiash Shukla, following his 18-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS) this past Wednesday.
“Returning to Earth and being able to hold my family close felt like home. Make sure to reach out to a loved one today and express your love for them. We often get caught up in our busy lives and overlook how essential our loved ones are. While human spaceflight missions are extraordinary, they become truly magical due to the people involved,” the astronaut shared on social media.
Shukla remarked that while space travel is incredible, reuniting with loved ones after a prolonged absence is equally remarkable.
“I’ve been in quarantine for two months. During that time, family visits meant maintaining an 8-meter distance. My little one had to understand that he couldn’t touch his father because of germs on his hands,” he explained.
“Each time he visited, he would ask his mother, ‘Can I wash my hands?’ It was quite a challenge,” he noted.
Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS).
The 20-day mission, coordinated by the private American company Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, SpaceX, and other governmental space organizations including ISRO, launched to the ISS on June 26.
Shukla returned to Earth on Tuesday alongside astronauts from the USA, Poland, and Hungary aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft named “Grace.”
Originally from Lucknow, Shukla was selected as an astronaut by ISRO in 2019 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2018 from the Red Fort that an Indian would soon venture into space.
In January 2025, the 39-year-old astronaut was chosen to pilot the Ax-4 mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO.
The Indian Air Force officer became the youngest astronaut-designate for India’s Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s inaugural human spaceflight initiative.
Shukla's mission serves not only as an inspiration for millions of Indians but also as a vital milestone for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, expected to launch in 2027.
Point of View
I see Shubhanshu Shukla's journey as a pivotal moment for India. His return not only signifies personal triumph but also embodies the spirit of our nation's aspirations in space exploration. His mission serves as a beacon of hope, urging us to value our relationships while pushing the boundaries of human achievement.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shubhanshu Shukla's mission duration?
Shubhanshu Shukla's mission lasted 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Who did Shubhanshu Shukla reunite with?
He reunited with his wife, Kamna Shukla, and their son, Kiash Shukla.
What significant role does Shubhanshu Shukla play in India's space mission?
He is the first Indian to go to the ISS and is also the youngest astronaut-designate for India's Gaganyaan mission.
When is the Gaganyaan mission expected to launch?
The Gaganyaan mission is slated for launch in 2027.
What message did Shubhanshu Shukla convey upon his return?
He emphasized the importance of expressing love to our loved ones, especially after time apart.
