<p>Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut, visited the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla in Pune on Saturday (March 28). The visit included a guest lecture and a return to his former unit, Hunter Squadron.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During his time at the squadron, Shukla joined current cadets for a series of push-up challenges in typical NDA style, performed on the knuckles, with everyone participating, from officers to cadets. The officer, who graduated from the academy in 2005, took part in the exercise during an interaction with the 154th course.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWbmJCqkxx-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWbmJCqkxx-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWbmJCqkxx-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan.shux)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Returning to the National Defence Academy for a guest lecture felt less like a visit and more like stepping through a fold in time. The moment I crossed those familiar gates, something within me quietly realigned—as though the intervening 24 years had politely stepped aside to let memory take command,” Shukla said in a post on social media.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I found myself wandering not as a speaker, but as that wide-eyed cadet again—lingering over places that had once shaped me in ways I probably only understand now. The stretches where we “rode” (and often lifted) our bikes, the library that doubled as both refuge and reprieve, the mess—undoubtedly the most cherished theatre of camaraderie—and, of course, my squadron, Hunter. Each corner carried echoes. Each step felt like a conversation with a younger version of myself,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a lecture at Habibullah Hall, Shukla discussed his 18-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 and his ongoing training for the Gaganyaan programme. He noted the role of the academy's training in shaping his career as a test pilot and spacefarer.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-will-target-uss-abraham-lincoln-if-it-moves-within-range-to-avenge-iris-dena-martyrs-1774791281873"><strong>Iran warns ‘will target USS Abraham Lincoln’ if it moves within range to avenge IRIS Dena martyrs</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The visit concluded with an interactive session where he addressed cadets' queries regarding technical challenges in microgravity and high-G flight environments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla’s military career reached a milestone with his selection as a “Gaganyatri” for India’s first human spaceflight mission.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In June 2025, he became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as the mission pilot of the Axiom-4 mission. Launched from Florida on June 25, 2025, the 18-day mission saw him carry out seven key microgravity experiments, including studies on muscle regeneration and crop viability.</p>

During his time at the squadron, Shukla joined current cadets for a series of push-up challenges in typical NDA style, performed on the knuckles, with everyone participating, from officers to cadets.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut, visited the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla in Pune on Saturday (March 28). The visit included a guest lecture and a return to his former unit, Hunter Squadron. During his time at the squadron, Shukla joined current cadets for a series of push-up challenges in typical NDA style, performed on the knuckles, with everyone participating, from officers to cadets. The officer, who graduated from the academy in 2005, took part in the exercise during an interaction with the 154th course.

<p>During his time at the squadron, Shukla joined current cadets for a series of push-up challenges in typical NDA style, performed on the knuckles, with everyone participating, from officers to cadets.</p>

Watch: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla joins Hunter Squadron for push-ups challenge during emotional return to NDA Pune

The ISS has hosted over 4,000 experiments since its first crew arrived in 2000, serving as a microgravity laboratory for over 5,000 researchers worldwide. Research ranged from the impact of microgravity on human health to the development of new materials and medical insights.

Who will replace the International Space Station after 2030?

<p>Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian to travel into space, shared a fascinating video revealing how he managed meals aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In the video, he explained the unique routines astronauts must follow while eating in zero gravity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Food in space. Never thought I would have to learn to eat again. Here I am explaining why habits matter when you are eating in space. If you are not mindful you can easily create a mess and you don’t want to be that guy. Solid mantra that works for anything in space ‘Slow is Fast’,” Shukla wrote in a post on his social media platform X.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Food in space. Never thought I would have to learn to eat again 😅. Here I am explaining why habits matter when you are eating in space. If you are not mindful you can easily create a mess and you don’t want to be that guy. Solid mantra that works for anything in space “Slow is… <a href="https://t.co/ZxVtqaM8Jz">pic.twitter.com/ZxVtqaM8Jz</a></p>&mdash; Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan_shux) <a href="https://twitter.com/gagan_shux/status/1962875059355496500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>He also shared an interesting fact about gravity, mentioning that people don’t need it to digest food, as the ‘peristalsis’ process helps in the digestion of food.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Other interesting fact is we don’t need gravity to digest food. A process called ‘peristalsis’ is responsible for digestion which is gravity independent. It is the contraction and relaxation of muscles to push food down through the digestive tract. Head up or head down, gravity or no gravity your body will always digest food. Bon appetit," he added.</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-passing-over-india-shubhanshu-shukla-shares-visuals-captured-during-his-space-mission-1756104274027">'Passing over India': Shubhanshu Shukla shares visuals captured during his space mission</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the clip, Shukla highlights the challenges of eating and drinking in space, showing how items are secured with Velcro to prevent them from floating away. He is also seen sipping coffee as the liquid drifts in microgravity and humorously saying, " You can even eat water in space. It is fun, but you have to be careful because things can go all around, and you have to be mindful."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later, he wrapped up his video saying," This is a short clip about food in space."</p><h3>Netizens react to the video</h3><p>After Shubhanshu Shukla posted the video on X, social media users flooded with their response in the comment section. An individual wrote, "Nice. These videos are always so much fun to see. Awesome to hear it in an accent I can relate to as well sir."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The next said, "That's fascinating! I had no idea digestion worked without gravity. The 'Slow is Fast' mantra makes perfect sense to avoid a floating food disaster. Thanks for sharing!"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another said,"So cool and fun to see that for us, while it must be challenging over up there. Thanks for sharing this video with us Sir. Rudraksha coming out is cool."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

In the video, Shubhanshu Shukla shared an interesting fact about gravity while sipping coffee, mentioning that people don’t need it to digest food, as the ‘peristalsis’ process helps in the digestion of food.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian to travel into space, shared a fascinating video revealing how he managed meals aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In the video, he explained the unique routines astronauts must follow while eating in zero gravity. “Food in space. Never thought I would have to learn to eat again. Here I am explaining why habits matter when you are eating in space. If you are not mindful you can easily create a mess and you don’t want to be that guy. Solid mantra that works for anything in space ‘Slow is Fast’,” Shukla wrote in a post on his social media platform X.

<p>In the video, Shubhanshu Shukla shared an interesting fact about gravity while sipping coffee, mentioning that people don’t need it to digest food, as the ‘peristalsis’ process helps in the digestion of food.</p>

Can we eat water in space? Here is what Shubhanshu Shukla revealed about life aboard ISS | WATCH

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 18) met Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), in Delhi. During the meeting, Shukla presented a Axiom-4 mission patch to PM Modi and shared pictures of the Earth taken from International Space Station.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. <a href="https://t.co/0uvclu9V2b">pic.twitter.com/0uvclu9V2b</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957440038230278298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for completing his space mission on the International Space Station (ISS). He said Shukla’s success is not just a scientific achievement but also a proud moment for India and a big inspiration for the youth.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"On this occasion, the (lower) house welcomes Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to India. His space mission and successful return are not merely about the success of the mission, but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla was quoted saying in the Upper House.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, also spoke about the achievement and criticised the Opposition. He said it was very unfortunate that the Opposition did not congratulate the scientist. "The opposition has failed to congratulate the space experts and scientists for our space achievements. Your anger can be with the government. Your anger can be with the BJP and the NDA. But it is surprising that you can be angry with an astronaut. And that astronaut who, apart from being an astronaut, is also a disciplined soldier of the Indian Air Force. He does not belong to any political party," Singh said.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Shukla’s hometown Lucknow is preparing for a grand welcome of for Shukla. Mayor Sushma Kharakwal on Monday (August 18) said that the administration has proposed to name a road leading to his house after him. Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 space mission. The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center (NASA) in Florida on June 25. Shukla is the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space.</p>

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to undertake a spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, returned to India on Sunday (August 17).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 18) met Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), in Delhi. During the meeting, Shukla presented a Axiom-4 mission patch to PM Modi and shared pictures of the Earth taken from International Space Station.

<p>Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to undertake a spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, returned to India on Sunday (August 17).</p>

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi, presents Axiom-4 mission patch - WATCH

<p>After a historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will return to India on Sunday. Shukla, who has been training in the US for the Axiom-4 mission to ISS for the past one year is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for his hometown Lucknow.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He is expected to return to Delhi to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, reported PTI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once," Shukla wrote in the post.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you," he further wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla scripted history by becoming the first man from India to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.

After a historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will return to India on Sunday. Shukla, who has been training in the US for the Axiom-4 mission to ISS for the past one year is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for his hometown Lucknow. He is expected to return to Delhi to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, reported PTI. Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there. As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once," Shukla wrote in the post. "Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you," he further wrote. Shukla scripted history by becoming the first man from India to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station. Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.

<p>Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.</p>

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return to India, shares emotional post on social media

<p>India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history with his recent feat. He was the first from the country to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed</a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We are all seeing the feat in the space sector and we are filled with pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the ISS, and in the coming few days, he will be coming to India. In space, we are preparing for Gaganyaan, as Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said PM Modi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-pm-modi-announces-major-gst-reforms-what-does-it-mean-for-middle-class-1755252273141"><strong>PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We are also working towards building our own Space Station. I am proud that more than 300 startups of the country are working just in space sector. Among those 300 startups, thousands of youth are working with full capability. This is the strength of the youth of our country, and this is our trust in the youth of our country,” he added.</p>

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields.

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history with his recent feat. He was the first from the country to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed "We are all seeing the feat in the space sector and we are filled with pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the ISS, and in the coming few days, he will be coming to India. In space, we are preparing for Gaganyaan, as Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said PM Modi. Also read: PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class “We are also working towards building our own Space Station. I am proud that more than 300 startups of the country are working just in space sector. Among those 300 startups, thousands of youth are working with full capability. This is the strength of the youth of our country, and this is our trust in the youth of our country,” he added.

<p>India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields.</p>

PM Modi lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's feat, praises increasing space startups in India

This method mirrors the recent return of Sunita Williams aboard Boeing’s Starliner just weeks ago, although 41 years earlier, India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, had touched down on solid ground rather than at sea.

Why astronauts trust the ocean? The science behind Shubhanshu Shukla’s splashdown

<p>As Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to return to Earth, his farewell message from the International Space Station (ISS) captured pride, gratitude and a vision for India’s future in space. Concluding the Axiom‑4 mission, Shukla addressed colleagues and audiences back home, reflecting on an extraordinary journey, India’s rising ambition in space exploration and the shared spirit that made it possible. “It has been an incredible journey,” Shukla said. “It has been made amazing and incredible because of the people who are involved.” Expressing thanks to ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and Indian researchers and students, he added, “Going back, I carry a lot of memories and learnings.” Emphasising the collaborative nature of the mission, Shukla noted, “All of us come from different parts of the world for one mission – it’s incredible.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>'Today’s India looks fearless and proud'</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a powerful and patriotic message delivered in hindi, on how modern India appears from space, Shukla said, “Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakanshi dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi sare jahan se achha dikhta hai. Jald hi mulaqat hoti hai..”(Today’s India looks ambitious, fearless, confident and full of pride, and still appears better than anywhere else in the world.)&nbsp;</p><p>His words , ‘sare jahan se achha’ echoed Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 reply from space, creating a symbolic link between India’s space legacy and its bold future. “Our journey is still very long,” he added, hinting that India’s real story in space exploration has only just begun.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla stressed on the mission’s scientific goals, educational outreach and the sense of wonder that space travel brings. “We have done a lot of science, outreach, and always looked out on Earth, it seems magical to me,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Collaboration beyond borders</strong></h2><p>Peggy Whitson, Ax-4 commander, praised the camaraderie and professional spirit of the ISS crew. Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu said, “We came with a purpose and made a lot of things happen – science, amazing pictures of Earth, funny videos, and made a lot of people proud on the ground. We made friends in space, shared inside jokes, and we did it because we are people collaborating in space in the name of science.”</p>

Thanking ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, Indian researchers and students, he added, “Going back, I carry a lot of memories and learnings.” Highlighting the team spirit on board, he remarked, “All of us come from different parts of the world for one mission – it’s incredible.”

As Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to return to Earth, his farewell message from the International Space Station (ISS) captured pride, gratitude and a vision for India’s future in space. Concluding the Axiom‑4 mission, Shukla addressed colleagues and audiences back home, reflecting on an extraordinary journey, India’s rising ambition in space exploration and the shared spirit that made it possible. “It has been an incredible journey,” Shukla said. “It has been made amazing and incredible because of the people who are involved.” Expressing thanks to ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and Indian researchers and students, he added, “Going back, I carry a lot of memories and learnings.” Emphasising the collaborative nature of the mission, Shukla noted, “All of us come from different parts of the world for one mission – it’s incredible.” 'Today’s India looks fearless and proud' In a powerful and patriotic message delivered in hindi, on how modern India appears from space, Shukla said, “Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakanshi dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi sare jahan se achha dikhta hai. Jald hi mulaqat hoti hai..”(Today’s India looks ambitious, fearless, confident and full of pride, and still appears better than anywhere else in the world.) His words , ‘sare jahan se achha’ echoed Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 reply from space, creating a symbolic link between India’s space legacy and its bold future. “Our journey is still very long,” he added, hinting that India’s real story in space exploration has only just begun. Shukla stressed on the mission’s scientific goals, educational outreach and the sense of wonder that space travel brings. “We have done a lot of science, outreach, and always looked out on Earth, it seems magical to me,” he said. Collaboration beyond borders Peggy Whitson, Ax-4 commander, praised the camaraderie and professional spirit of the ISS crew. Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu said, “We came with a purpose and made a lot of things happen – science, amazing pictures of Earth, funny videos, and made a lot of people proud on the ground. We made friends in space, shared inside jokes, and we did it because we are people collaborating in space in the name of science.”

<p>Thanking ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, Indian researchers and students, he added, “Going back, I carry a lot of memories and learnings.” Highlighting the team spirit on board, he remarked, “All of us come from different parts of the world for one mission – it’s incredible.”</p>

‘India looks ambitious from space’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s message before returning home

<p>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is nearing the end of his 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is preparing to begin his return journey on July 14. Just days before departure, Shukla brought a touch of India to orbit by sharing Gajar ka halwa, a traditional carrot-based dessert specially adapted for space by ISRO and DRDO. The treat was the highlight of a modest yet memorable meal shared with fellow Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crewmates, as shown in photos from the orbiting laboratory. The evening of food and conversation offered a glimpse into the quieter moments of life aboard the ISS, where astronauts from around the world come together not only for science, but to celebrate culture and companionship far from Earth.</p><h2><strong>The Crew</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Ax-4 crew comprises Shukla, Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary under the HUNOR programme. The mission launched on June 25 from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, and docked at the ISS a day later after a 28-hour journey.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Astronaut Jonny Kim, reflecting on the gathering, shared, “One of the most unforgettable evenings I’ve experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Ax-4, aboard the International Space Station. We swapped stories and marvelled at how people from diverse backgrounds and nations came together to represent humanity in space.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>A special menu in microgravity</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The evening’s menu highlighted the diversity of the crew. Appetisers included rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers, while the main course offered chicken and beef fajitas.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL79yThPNzm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL79yThPNzm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL79yThPNzm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jonny Kim (@jonnykimusa)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Such meals go beyond nutrition, they strengthen camaraderie among astronauts from different nations. NASA’s Steve Stitch, Manager of the Commercial Crew Program, noted in a press briefing that the Ax-4 crew would prepare to undock on July 14, after the high beta period, a time when the ISS experiences prolonged sunlight, complicating thermal control.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>A journey across sunrises</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During their stay, Shukla and his fellow astronauts have witnessed 230 sunrises and travelled nearly one million kilometres in orbit. The inclusion of Indian cuisine on the ISS symbolises the growing international collaboration in space exploration, while also recognising the importance of cultural familiarity for astronaut well-being. As Ax-4 concludes, such gatherings leave a lasting mark, proving that even in orbit, a simple dessert can bring people together.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The evening of food and conversation offered a glimpse into the quieter moments of life aboard the ISS, where astronauts from around the world come together not only for science, but to celebrate culture and companionship far from Earth.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is nearing the end of his 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is preparing to begin his return journey on July 14. Just days before departure, Shukla brought a touch of India to orbit by sharing Gajar ka halwa, a traditional carrot-based dessert specially adapted for space by ISRO and DRDO. The treat was the highlight of a modest yet memorable meal shared with fellow Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crewmates, as shown in photos from the orbiting laboratory. The evening of food and conversation offered a glimpse into the quieter moments of life aboard the ISS, where astronauts from around the world come together not only for science, but to celebrate culture and companionship far from Earth. The Crew The Ax-4 crew comprises Shukla, Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary under the HUNOR programme. The mission launched on June 25 from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, and docked at the ISS a day later after a 28-hour journey. Astronaut Jonny Kim, reflecting on the gathering, shared, “One of the most unforgettable evenings I’ve experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Ax-4, aboard the International Space Station. We swapped stories and marvelled at how people from diverse backgrounds and nations came together to represent humanity in space.” A special menu in microgravity The evening’s menu highlighted the diversity of the crew. Appetisers included rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers, while the main course offered chicken and beef fajitas.

<p>The evening of food and conversation offered a glimpse into the quieter moments of life aboard the ISS, where astronauts from around the world come together not only for science, but to celebrate culture and companionship far from Earth.</p>

Shrimp cocktails, fajitas and 'Gajar ka halwa': Shubhanshu Shukla’s special dinner aboard ISS ahead of homecoming

indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, News on Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, stories on Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, articles on Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla stories at Wion, Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla news, Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla latest news

indian astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla

Watch: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla joins Hunter Squadron for push-ups challenge during emotional return to NDA Pune

Who will replace the International Space Station after 2030?

Can we eat water in space? Shubhanshu Shukla revealed about life aboard ISS

Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi, presents Axiom-4 mission patch - WATCH

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return to India, shares emotional post

PM Modi lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's feat, praises increasing space startups

Why astronauts trust the ocean? The science behind Shubhanshu’s splashdown

‘India looks ambitious from space’: Shubhanshu Shukla says ahead of homecoming

Shubhanshu Shukla’s special dinner aboard ISS ahead of homecoming