New Delhi, July 14, 2025 – Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, fondly called “Shux,” is set to return to Earth today after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, dubbed Akash Ganga. His historic journey marks a significant milestone for India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, with plans to land an Indian on the moon by 2040.

Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, delivered a stirring farewell speech from orbit, echoing Sharma’s iconic words:

“Today’s Bharat looks FEARLESS. Today’s Bharat looks CONFIDENT. Today’s Bharat shines with PRIDE. Today’s Bharat still looks Saare Jahan Se Achha.”

The Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, saw Shukla and crew members—Commander Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu—conduct over 60 scientific experiments, including microalgae research for future deep-space missions. The crew launched on June 25, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center and is scheduled to splash down off California’s coast on July 15 at 3:00 PM IST.

India has invested approximately Rs 33,000 crore in the Gaganyaan program, a stepping stone toward establishing the Bhartiya Antariksha Station and achieving a lunar landing by 2040. Shukla’s mission provides critical data and experience for ISRO’s human spaceflight ambitions, with the first crewed Gaganyaan mission slated for 2027.

In his farewell, Shukla expressed gratitude to ISRO, NASA, and his ISS colleagues, saying, “This incredible journey was made magical by the people involved.” His return will involve a seven-day rehabilitation to readjust to Earth’s gravity, and his insights will shape India’s future space endeavors.

Key Highlights of Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission:

• Historic Milestone: First Indian to dock at the ISS, advancing India’s space legacy.
• Scientific Contributions: Conducted experiments vital for Gaganyaan and lunar missions.
• Inspiring a Nation: Shukla’s words reflect India’s fearless and confident rise in space exploration.

Stay tuned to Bharat Tone for the latest updates on India’s space journey and Shubhanshu Shukla’s homecoming.

Tags: Shubhanshu Shukla, Gaganyaan Program, India Moon Mission 2040, Axiom-4 Mission, ISRO, Indian Astronaut, Space Exploration, Saare Jahan Se Achha