Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4), is preparing for undocking on July 14 and return on July 15, wrapping up an 18‑day orbital mission. In a powerful moment, he echoed Rakesh Sharma’s immortal line, saying “aaj ka Bharat looks saare jahan se accha”, linking past and present to chart India’s future in space, reported The Indian Express.
A Symbolic Farewell from Orbit
During a live event aboard the ISS, Shukla, call sign “Shux”, spoke about India’s growth. He emphasized that today’s India appears “ambitious, fearless, confident and full of pride”—mirroring the sentiment expressed by Rakesh Sharma in 1984—ensuring that Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is seen as part of a continuum in Indian space exploration.
A Mission of Science and Symbolism
Shukla and his Ax‑4 crewmates, including seasoned astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary, completed over 60 cutting-edge experiments, ranging from bone density and glucose studies to micro-algae and AI in microgravity. He also updated ISRO officials mid-mission, highlighting collaborations aimed at informing future programmes like Gaganyaan.
Returning Aboard ‘Grace’
The crew will board the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule named “Grace”, known for its reliability in human spaceflight, at 4:35 pm IST on July 14, and splash down in the Pacific around 3 pm IST on July 15. Upon their return, they’ll undergo medical rehabilitation and debriefings to aid Shukla’s adaptation back to Earth’s gravity.
The Weight of Legacy
Shukla is being welcomed by his family, including his mother who described the return as a “grand homecoming”—echoing the excitement from when Rakesh Sharma returned in 1984. The National Defence Academy has also lauded his achievements, viewing them as a source of national pride and an example for future officers.
Why This Mission Matters
- First Indian on ISS: Shukla is officially the first Indian astronaut representing India aboard the ISS—distinguished from Indians in space previously who flew with other nations.
- Stepping stone to Gaganyaan: The data and experiences from Ax‑4 will greatly inform India’s own planned crewed mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2027.
- Scientific breakthroughs: His experiments—covering health, agriculture, and AI—carry long-term implications for space-faring missions and earthbound applications.
Looking Ahead
Upon return, Shukla is expected to play a major role in mentoring upcoming astronauts and advocating for space science. ISRO and the IAF are positioning him as a public face of India’s burgeoning presence in human spaceflight and international collaboration.
Photo Credit: The Indian Express
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