• Source:JND
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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family on Wednesday, following his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, was part of the private Axiom-4 mission alongside three other astronauts. The crew returned to Earth on Tuesday, July 15, after spending a total of 20 days in space, 18 of which were aboard the ISS.

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Launched on June 25, the Axiom-4 mission saw Shubhanshu Shukla serve as mission pilot, becoming the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). During his stay, he collaborated smoothly with the Axiom-4 crew and Expedition 73, reflecting India’s expanding role in global space collaboration.

While aboard the ISS, Shukla carried out groundbreaking microgravity experiments focused on muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive function in space, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria.

Earlier, speaking to news agency PTI, his wife Kamna said, “Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on earth. For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself.”

Kamna has been in the United States since Shubhanshu began preparing for his SpaceX launch from Florida on June 25.

The return flight marked the conclusion of the fourth ISS mission organised by Texas-based startup Axiom Space, in partnership with SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk and headquartered near Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla on the successful completion of his historic mission, calling it the beginning of a new chapter in India's space programme.

During a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet passed a resolution describing Shukla's space journey as a moment of “pride, glory, and joy” for the entire nation, symbolising the boundless aspirations of India. Shukla made history as the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station.

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"The Cabinet joins the nation in celebrating the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth, following the successful completion of his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station," Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said reading out the resolution adopted at the meeting.