Did Shubhanshu Shukla's Return Spark a New Era for India's Space Program?

New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) received an extraordinary welcome upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi early Sunday morning. In light of his remarkable mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Lok Sabha is set to conduct a special discussion focused on India's advancements in space exploration, as outlined in a notice from the Lower House.

The parliamentary debate will center around the topic "India's first astronaut aboard the ISS – critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047,” a discussion that might break the ongoing deadlock in Parliament, celebrating a new landmark in India’s space journey.

Shukla returned to New Delhi after his two-week mission aboard the ISS in June-July, where he was greeted by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, alongside numerous citizens who celebrated his successful return.

This discussion comes as the Opposition raises concerns regarding alleged voter list manipulations during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which is gearing up for elections.

In June, Shukla made history by becoming the second Indian to venture into space, following IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. He touched down on Earth on July 16.

Shukla's participation in the Ax-4 mission signifies a revival of human spaceflight programs for India, Poland, and Hungary after over four decades.

As a representative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Shukla’s return, armed with insights from the Ax-4 mission, plays a pivotal role in the Gaganyaan mission and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (India's Space Station).

In her Independence Day address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted Shukla’s achievements, stating, "Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey has inspired a generation to dream bigger and will significantly aid India’s upcoming human space flight program, Gaganyaan."

The Department of Space has characterized Shukla's mission as one of strategic significance, affirming India’s determination to become a serious player in human space exploration.

During the 79th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shukla’s monumental journey, remarking, "Every citizen is witnessing the marvels of our space sector with pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned, and we are gearing up for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat in space."