Did God Save Shubhanshu Shukla for a Safe Landing?
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Synopsis
As Shubhanshu Shukla returns from the ISS, his family's overwhelming emotions capture the joy of this historic moment. Join us as they recount their heartfelt experiences and gratitude for his safe return.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is India's first astronaut at the ISS.
- The family expressed profound emotions upon his return.
- Shukla completed an 18-day mission aboard the ISS.
- The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
- This event marks a significant achievement for India's space program.
New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) As Indian astronaut and IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made his triumphant return to Earth on Tuesday after a groundbreaking mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), his family in Lucknow was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from elation to anxiety and immense pride.
The Shukla household was alive with joy and celebration as they received the news of his successful return from the ISS.
Shukla, who holds the distinction of being the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, completed the historic Axiom Space’s Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, landing safely in the Pacific Ocean near California at 3:00 PM IST.
Post-landing, family members expressed their heartfelt sentiments.
His mother, Asha Shukla, conveyed her feelings to IANS, stating: “The joy must be evident on our faces. We are filled with excitement and are deeply emotional knowing our son is finally back on Earth today. I extend my gratitude to everyone for their support. It’s incredibly touching to reunite with my son after so many days. Our joy is boundless — we are immensely proud.”
His sister, Shuchi Mishra, shared her experience: “Honestly, I couldn’t sleep last night; the excitement was overwhelming. I feel butterflies in my stomach right now. Thank you to everyone. We have awaited this moment eagerly. His return brings us immense happiness.”
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed the family's anticipation: “I give thanks to God for his safe return. I’m grateful to everyone who has blessed our child. He has come back from a place where the odds were uncertain.”
Meanwhile, Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as India’s first astronaut to reach the ISS, is now safely back home.
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, named 'Grace', which carried IAF Group Captain Shukla and three other astronauts as part of the Axiom Space Mission-4 (Ax-4), splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off California at 3:01 PM IST (4:31 AM CT).
“Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, AstroPeggy, Shux, astro_slawosz, and Tibi!” SpaceX announced on social media.
Shukla, along with astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), boarded SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft 'Grace' at 3:30 AM CT (2 PM IST) on Monday. He embarked on his journey to the ISS on June 26, making him the second Indian astronaut to venture into space after Rakesh Sharma's expedition in 1984.
The 18-minute de-orbit burn occurred over the Pacific Ocean, allowing the spacecraft to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, during which a blackout period of approximately seven minutes left the astronauts without communication.
Final preparations involved detaching the capsule's trunk and positioning the heat shield for atmospheric entry, exposing the spacecraft to temperatures reaching nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius.
Parachutes deployed in two stages — first stabilizing chutes at around 5.7 km altitude at 2:57 PM IST, followed by main parachutes at approximately two km before splashdown.
Shukla, who is India’s first astronaut to live and work aboard the ISS, returned after completing an 18-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory along with his Axiom-4 crew.
Point of View
I observe that the return of Shubhanshu Shukla marks a monumental achievement for India's space endeavors. His family's profound joy encapsulates the nation's pride, and this event reinforces India's commitment to exploring the cosmos. Such milestones inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the stars.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut and IAF Group Captain who recently made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
What was the mission of Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shukhanshu Shukla participated in the Axiom Space Mission-4 (Ax-4), which involved living and working aboard the ISS for 18 days.
When did Shubhanshu Shukla return to Earth?
Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth on July 15, landing safely in the Pacific Ocean at 3:00 PM IST.
What emotions did Shubhanshu Shukla's family feel upon his return?
His family experienced a mix of emotions, including excitement, nervousness, and immense pride.
What was the significance of Shubhanshu Shukla's mission?
His mission signifies a major milestone for India's space exploration efforts and inspires future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
