Shubhanshu Shukla's return date from ISS revealed
On June 26, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS), traveling with SpaceX's Dragon as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
After a 28-hour trip from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, he joined the Expedition 73 crew—marking a big moment for India's space journey, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma.
Shukla's work on ISS will help medicine back home
Shukla and his team will spend two weeks on the ISS running several experiments, including research on microalgae and muscle loss in zero gravity—work that could help medicine back home.
The mission also shows how ISRO and NASA are teaming up more closely, setting the stage for India's upcoming projects like Gaganyaan.
Modi encourages Shukla to keep detailed records for future missions
From orbit, Shukla spoke with Prime Minister Modi about his research and why it matters for India's future in space.
Modi encouraged him to keep detailed records to help future missions.
Shukla also gave a shoutout to young Indians, urging them to dream big in science and space—because India is just getting started on its cosmic adventure.