Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic ISS Mission Sparks National Pride: CM Yogi Hails a New Era for India
New Delhi / Lucknow — India’s soaring ambitions just touched the stars! Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), returning triumphantly after an 18-day journey aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath captured the nation’s joy, declaring, “Today, every Indian, especially the people of Uttar Pradesh, is proud of Shubhanshu.” This milestone isn’t just a win for one astronaut—it’s a giant leap for India’s space dreams and a moment that’s got the whole country buzzing.
A Historic First: India’s Flag on the ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot from Lucknow, became the first Indian to step onto the ISS, a feat achieved during the Ax-4 mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX. Launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla piloted the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’ alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). After docking on June 26, the crew spent 18 days conducting over 60 scientific experiments, including seven designed by Indian researchers, before splashing down off California on July 15, 2025.timesofindia.indiatimes.comlivemint.com
This isn’t just about planting India’s flag in space—it’s a bold statement that India’s ready to lead in global space exploration. As Shukla said from orbit, “The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me.”timesofindia.indiatimes.com
CM Yogi’s Heartfelt Praise: A Moment for All Indians
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath was all smiles as he celebrated Shukla’s return, calling it “a glorious symbol of courage, dedication, and commitment to science.” In an emotional X post, he wrote, “Welcome back to Earth. Your achievement is a proud moment for every Indian, especially those from Uttar Pradesh. India is eager to welcome you.” Yogi met Shukla’s family in Lucknow on June 26, felicitating his parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, for their son’s historic feat. “This is a proud day not just for Uttar Pradesh, but for the entire country,” he said, highlighting how Shukla’s journey inspires a new generation to dream big.thenewsmill.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com
Shukla’s mother, visibly moved, shared, “My son has safely returned, I thank God. I got emotional—after all, he’s been gone for many days.” His father added, “We’re delighted. The CM blessed our son and honored us. This is a proud moment.”timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Science in Space: Shukla’s Mission Impact
Shukla wasn’t just floating around up there. As mission pilot, he steered the Dragon spacecraft and conducted critical experiments, including the Myogenesis study on skeletal muscle degradation, vital for future long-duration space missions. ISRO’s seven experiments, like sprouting green gram and fenugreek in microgravity, aim to boost India’s space research ecosystem. These efforts, costing India ₹548 crore for Shukla’s seat, are a strategic investment for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight planned for 2026.thehindu.comen.wikipedia.org
From X posts to newsrooms, the mission’s success has sparked debate. Some, like @nkk_123, questioned the hefty price tag, while others, like @MeruBhaiya, defended it, arguing Shukla’s real-world experience will ensure Gaganyaan’s safety. Either way, ISRO chief S. Somanath called it a “critical step” for India’s space ambitions, including a planned Bhartiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and a moon mission by 2040.bbc.com
Why This Matters: Inspiring a Billion Dreams
Shukla’s journey, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight, marks India’s return to human space exploration. Born in Lucknow, this small-town kid turned IAF pilot with over 2,000 flight hours on jets like the Su-30 MKI, now carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded him, saying, “Shukla carries the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”indiatoday.in
From rural classrooms to urban labs, Shukla’s story is lighting a fire under India’s youth. As Union Minister Jitendra Singh put it, “Bharat has found an enduring space in the world of space.” With Shukla set to arrive in India on August 17, expect a hero’s welcome and a boost for India’s space vision.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What’s Next?
Shukla’s safe splashdown on July 15, 2025, isn’t the end—it’s a launchpad. His hands-on experience with docking, microgravity, and life-support systems will shape Gaganyaan, India’s bid to go it alone in space. As CM Yogi said, “This moment belongs to every Indian.” So, whether you’re a student dreaming of the stars or a taxpayer cheering India’s progress, Shukla’s mission is a reminder: the sky’s no longer the limit.
