Did Maha CM and Dy CMs Celebrate Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Achievement?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy CMs honored Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his remarkable achievement as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. His historic journey marks a significant milestone for India's space ambitions, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in space exploration.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is India's first astronaut to visit the ISS.
- The mission marks a major milestone for India's space program.
- Shinde and Pawar praised Shukla's achievement.
- The mission was a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO.
- Shukla's journey inspires future generations to pursue careers in space.
Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) Following the splashdown of the SpaceX crew capsule Grace, which carried Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and other crew members, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his congratulations for this momentous achievement.
In a post shared on X, the Chief Minister expressed, “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Creates History! Heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on successfully completing his groundbreaking mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station, he has brought immense pride to our nation and sparked aspirations in countless individuals through his bravery, commitment, and pioneering spirit. This marks a significant advancement towards India’s Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan!”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also commended Shukla for his successful return to Earth after an 18-day journey through space.
“Following Rakesh Sharma, who ventured into space in 1984 on a Soviet spacecraft, Shubhanshu Shukla is now the second Indian astronaut to embark on a space mission. I share in the delight of Shubhanshu’s parents and millions of Indians as we celebrate this successful mission. We will take concrete steps towards realizing the vision of establishing India’s space station, which will undoubtedly empower every Indian student aspiring to become an astronaut,” Shinde stated.
In his remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, “A joyful and proud India welcomes back its astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to our planet after an 18-day stay in space. Your remarkable achievement will motivate more young individuals to delve into this field. Congratulations to you and your entire team on the successful conclusion of your mission.”
Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has emerged as a new icon, establishing India’s strong presence in the global space community.
The 20-day mission, organized by the private American firm Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and various governmental space agencies including ISRO, commenced its journey to the ISS on June 26.
Shukla returned to Earth on Tuesday alongside fellow astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft Grace.
Born in 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 son or daughter would journey to space very soon.
In January 2025, the 39-year-old astronaut was chosen as the pilot for the Ax-4 mission, a joint mission between NASA and ISRO.
The IAF officer became the youngest astronaut-designate under India's Gaganyaan mission, which is the nation’s inaugural human spaceflight initiative.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the collective aspirations of a nation. This moment serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating that with dedication and support, the dreams of many can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. The nation stands united in celebrating this milestone, paving the way for future advancements in space exploration.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut who recently made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
What was the duration of Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission?
Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission lasted for 18 days.
Which companies were involved in the space mission?
The mission was led by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
When was Shubhanshu Shukla selected as an astronaut?
He was selected as an astronaut by ISRO in 2019.
What is India's Gaganyaan mission?
The Gaganyaan mission is India's first human spaceflight program aimed at sending Indian astronauts into space.
