Is the Nation Ready to Welcome Shubhanshu Shukla Back to Earth?
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Synopsis
India is on the edge of its seat as it awaits the return of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from the ISS. With the mission's successful completion and a heartfelt welcome planned, the nation unites in anticipation of this monumental event.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is returning home after 18 days in space.
- He made history as the first Indian to reach the ISS.
- A special ceremony was held in Varanasi for his safe return.
- His family is both excited and anxious about his landing.
- Shukla will undergo rehabilitation to readjust to Earth's gravity.
New Delhi, July 14 (NationPress) The country is in eager anticipation of Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return, stated Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Monday. Shukla is currently en route to Earth, accompanied by fellow astronauts, after an impressive 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
“Welcome back, Shubhanshu! The entire nation is looking forward to your homecoming as you commence your return journey post the successful undocking of #Axiom4,” Singh expressed in a message on the social media platform X.
On June 26, Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the orbital laboratory. He is also the second Indian astronaut to journey into space, following the legendary Rakesh Sharma's 1984 expedition.
The original 14-day mission was extended to 18 days, with Shukla boarding SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, aptly named 'Grace', at 03:30 am CT (2 pm IST).
The hatch closure between the SpaceX Dragon vehicle and the ISS occurred at 5:07 a.m. EDT, according to a blog post from NASA.
Shukla, along with fellow astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), undocked from the Harmony module of the ISS around 7:15 a.m. ET (4:45 pm IST).
“Dragon is all set to undock from the Space Station,” SpaceX announced on X.
Shukla is expected to touch down on Earth after a remarkable 22.5-hour journey on Tuesday.
“The crew is projected to splash down off the coast of California at around 4:31 am CT (3:01 pm IST, Tuesday),” Axiom Space reported.
His family is filled with excitement and pride, eagerly awaiting his safe return.
“We are incredibly excited and nervous, reminiscent of the day he took off. There’s a mix of anticipation and anxiety because this is such a pivotal moment—the final stretch. Only when he splashes down safely will we truly feel relieved,” Shukla’s sister, Shuchi Mishra, shared with IANS.
Residents of Varanasi organized a special 'yagya-havan' to pray for Group Captain Shukla's safe return.
The ceremony, rich in devotion and national pride, featured priests chanting Vedic mantras as the sacred fire’s flames danced toward the heavens, symbolizing the lofty heights from which Shukla is returning.
Upon landing, Shukla and his fellow crew members will undergo a rehabilitation program (lasting about seven days) supervised by Flight Surgeons to readjust to Earth's gravity.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Shubhanshu Shukla's return not just for his family but for the entire nation. This moment symbolizes India's progress in space exploration and unites us all in shared pride and anticipation.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Shubhanshu Shukla stay in space?
Shubhanshu Shukla spent a total of 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
When is Shubhanshu Shukla expected to return to Earth?
Shubhanshu Shukla is expected to splash down off the coast of California on Tuesday, approximately at 4:31 am CT.
Who accompanied Shubhanshu Shukla on his mission?
Shubhanshu Shukla was joined by fellow astronauts Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu during his mission.
What preparations are being made for his return?
Residents in Varanasi have organized special prayers, and Shukla will undergo a rehabilitation program upon his return.
What historical significance does Shubhanshu Shukla's mission hold?
Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to reach the ISS and the second Indian astronaut to travel to space.
