Shubhanshu Shukla

September 26, 2025 4:10 PM

MiG-21: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recalls fond memories

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday bid a final farewell to the MiG-21, marking the end of the iconic fighter aircraft’s 63 years of service. The ceremony, held at the Chandigarh Air Force base, was described as dignified and befitting by those who witnessed it. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, now an astronaut, was among those present at the event. Recalling his long association with the MiG-21, he said the aircraft held a special place in his career and life. “I am feeling fantastic tod...

August 25, 2025 10:07 AM

Shubhanshu Shukla arrives in Lucknow to a hero’s welcome

Family members of Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with people from across Uttar Pradesh, gathered at Lucknow Airport on Monday to welcome the astronaut after his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla was received by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and state BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary. Speaking to reporters, Chaudhary said, "Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has achieved new heights in the field of sp...

August 19, 2025 2:03 PM

PM Modi hails astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission as ‘First Step’ in India’s space journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in New Delhi, calling his recent journey into space “the first step” in India’s long-term space ambitions. The Prime Minister underlined that India’s path to success lies in pursuing its space goals with Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and stressed the need to build a pool of 40–50 ready astronauts for future missions. PM Modi sought insights into the transformative experience of space travel. Shukla expl...

August 18, 2025 8:41 PM

India is proud of your feat, says PM Modi to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned after his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Prime Minister interacted with the astronaut at his official residence in New Delhi and discussed his experiences in space, India’s progress in science and technology, and the country’s ambitious human spaceflight programme—Gaganyaan. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Had a great interaction with Shubhans...

August 18, 2025 4:23 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned amid uproar during debate on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS mission

The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Monday following a special discussion on Commander Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The session witnessed protests from opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and allegations concerning the Election Commission. Amid continued disruptions, the House was adjourned and will reconvene on August 19 at 11 am. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Sin...

August 17, 2025 5:45 PM

Shubhanshu Shukla accorded hero’s welcome on return to India; Parliament plans special discussion on successful space mission tomorrow

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was given a grand welcome as he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi in early hours of Sunday, the Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on India's space journey and Shukla's historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to a notice issued by the Lower House. The House will debate on "India's first astronaut aboard the ISS –– critical role of space programme for Viksit Bhar...

July 15, 2025 2:40 PM

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission will boost India’s Gaganyaan project: ISRO

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission will play a crucial role in India's first manned spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday. Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space where he undertook scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). "This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Shubhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the Int...

July 15, 2025 2:01 PM

Shubhanshu Shukla’s parents excited ahead of Dragon spacecraft splashdown

As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft prepares for splashdown, excitement and happiness run high in the family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla - the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. Speaking to ANI, his mother, Asha Shukla said. “We are very excited... When we saw the undocking, we knew he was on his way home. We are waiting eagerly for our son. He will reach by evening. We prayed for his well-being, visited the temple, ...

July 15, 2025 10:56 AM

Shubhanshu Shukla set to return to Earth today with a splashdown off the California coast

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), is set to return to Earth on Tuesday, marking the end of a historic mission under Axiom Space’s Ax-4 program. After an extraordinary 18-day stay aboard the orbital laboratory, Shukla and his three international crewmates are scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at 3:01 p.m. IST (4:31 AM CT). Shukla, along with fellow astronauts Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uz...

July 13, 2025 10:50 AM

Axiom-4 splash down on July 15 at 3 pm: Jitendra Singh on Shubhanshu Shukla’s return

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday shared an update on the Axiom-4 International Space Station (ISS) Mission and said that the astronauts are expected to splash down on Earth on July 15 at 3:00 p.m. (Indian time). Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently on board the ISS, along with three other crew members - Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu - will undock inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the Harmony module's space-facing port for a return to Earth. ...