New Delhi: India’s space ambitions touched home ground on Sunday, August 17, after astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla arrived in Delhi after successfully completing NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
His return was marked by an emotional family reunion and a warm welcome from political leaders, who hailed his achievement as a milestone for the country’s growing role in global space exploration.
Delhi CM Hails Shukla's Homecoming
Shukla touched down at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours of Sunday, where he was greeted by a welcoming party led by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh. Calling it a “moment of national pride,” Singh described Shukla’s return as a testament to India’s rising stature in space research and emphasised the collaborative nature of the mission. He added that the astronaut’s accomplishment strengthens the foundation for upcoming projects, particularly the Gaganyaan programme.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was also present to welcome Shukla, underscoring the significance of his journey not only for the scientific community but also for citizens across the country. The reception was a mix of official ceremony and personal celebration, with Shukla’s wife and young son visibly moved as they embraced him after his month-long voyage in space.
A Step Towards India’s Human Spaceflight Future
During the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla and his crewmates carried out a range of scientific experiments aboard the ISS, contributing valuable insights to global research. For India, his participation marks a critical leap in international collaboration and sets the stage for more independent missions in the near future.
On his return, Shukla will undergo medical evaluations and detailed debriefings before speaking publicly about his experiences in orbit. His journey, while technical in scope, has resonated deeply at home, offering not just scientific progress but also a sense of shared national pride.
