<p>Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family on Wednesday at a designated facility in Houston, US, a day after returning to Earth following his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station and shared the heartwarming images of their reunion. Shukla said space flight is as “amazing” as seeing your loved ones after a long time. He got to meet his family less than 24 hours after he landed. Shukla shared the images on Instagram, showing him embracing his wife and son after being apart for over two months.<br>“Space flight is amazing but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing. It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine, family visits we had to be 8 metre apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands and that is why he could not touch his father. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home,” he wrote in the caption.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shukla made history as he became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMKyEhDMCr_/?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/DMKyEhDMCr_/?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/DMKyEhDMCr_/?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>In the pictures shared by Shukla, his wife, Kamna, is seen embracing him with tears streaming down her face, while his son leaps into his arms and hugs him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them. We often get busy in life and forget how important the people in our lives are. Human spaceflight missions are magical but they are made magical by the humans,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/shubhanshu-shukla-s-homecoming-axiom-4-crew-return-after-wrapping-up-two-weeks-in-space-1752641061764/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“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 told PTI from Houston.&nbsp;</p><p>“I am already preparing some of his favourite dishes, knowing how much he must have missed home-cooked meals during his time in space.”</p><p>The couple got married in 2009. They have known each other since Class 3, when they both studied at Lucknow’s City Montessori School.</p><p>Shubhanshu is also part of ISRO’s plan to launch the Gaganyaan—India’s first human space flight—in 2027.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla reunites with his family after returning from space ❤️🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/yfENxJr7ed">pic.twitter.com/yfENxJr7ed</a></p>&mdash; ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/status/1945471144154583517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fresh from a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, Shukla—now the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma—was greeted by his family at a designated facility in Houston, where initial medical checks were conducted before the reunion.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family on Wednesday at a designated facility in Houston, US, a day after returning to Earth following his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station and shared the heartwarming images of their reunion. Shukla said space flight is as “amazing” as seeing your loved ones after a long time. He got to meet his family less than 24 hours after he landed. Shukla shared the images on Instagram, showing him embracing his wife and son after being apart for over two months. “Space flight is amazing but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing. It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine, family visits we had to be 8 metre apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands and that is why he could not touch his father. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home,” he wrote in the caption. Shukla made history as he became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.

<p>Fresh from a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, Shukla—now the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma—was greeted by his family at a designated facility in Houston, where initial medical checks were conducted before the reunion.</p>

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunites with family after ISS return, pics strike emotional chord

<p>India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station. India's space agency, ISRO, said today that he performed several scientific experiments on the gigantic space facility. The body also revealed how much it spent to send the astronaut to space. Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO, said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme," said Desai.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said that before sending an Indian astronaut aboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft, the space agency will send three unmanned flights.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"As part of our programme, we will launch an unmanned mission this year, followed by two more unmanned flights. After that, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space onboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft. The astronaut will stay in space for two to seven days and return to Earth. The experience gained by Shubanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Desai said Rs 600 crore was spent by India on the Axiom mission.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained after 15 days in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission," Desai mentioned.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-return-how-does-space-impact-astronauts-health-1752550718263">Also read: Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 return: How does space impact astronauts' health?</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He also emphasised the importance of India-US space cooperation and the pact signed between ISRO and NASA during Prime Minister Modi's US visit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"With the new information we have gathered, we can plan the Gaganyaan mission more effectively. This mission was done in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During the Indian Prime Minister's recent visit to the US, an agreement was signed between ISRO and NASA allowing one Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a US mission," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said 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>“Shubhanshu Shukla was accompanied by another astronaut, Prashant Nair, who was fully prepared to step in if needed. However, there was no requirement for that. Shukla was launched aboard the Dragonfly spacecraft using the Falcon launch vehicle from SpaceX on June 25. It docked with the International Space Station on June 26. Over 15 days, he conducted various scientific experiments, and today the spacecraft was undocked,” he added.</p>

India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station.

India's astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and the Axiom-4 crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, after an 18-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is the only Indian to have visited the space station. India's space agency, ISRO, said today that he performed several scientific experiments on the gigantic space facility. The body also revealed how much it spent to send the astronaut to space. Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO, said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan programme. "This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Subhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme," said Desai. He said that before sending an Indian astronaut aboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft, the space agency will send three unmanned flights. "As part of our programme, we will launch an unmanned mission this year, followed by two more unmanned flights. After that, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space onboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft. The astronaut will stay in space for two to seven days and return to Earth. The experience gained by Shubanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years," he said. Desai said Rs 600 crore was spent by India on the Axiom mission. "Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained after 15 days in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission," Desai mentioned. Also read: Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 return: How does space impact astronauts' health? He also emphasised the importance of India-US space cooperation and the pact signed between ISRO and NASA during Prime Minister Modi's US visit. "With the new information we have gathered, we can plan the Gaganyaan mission more effectively. This mission was done in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During the Indian Prime Minister's recent visit to the US, an agreement was signed between ISRO and NASA allowing one Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a US mission," he added. He said two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station. “Shubhanshu Shukla was accompanied by another astronaut, Prashant Nair, who was fully prepared to step in if needed. However, there was no requirement for that. Shukla was launched aboard the Dragonfly spacecraft using the Falcon launch vehicle from SpaceX on June 25. It docked with the International Space Station on June 26. Over 15 days, he conducted various scientific experiments, and today the spacecraft was undocked,” he added.

<p>Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO said that the mission will help India in executing its Gaganyaan mission.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO reveals its Axiom mission cost, Chandrayaan plan

This marks the end of Shukla’s 18-day stay aboard the ISS, which began on June 25 after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

<p>This marks the end of Shukla’s 18-day stay aboard the ISS, which began on June 25 after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.</p>

Ax-4 undocks: Shubhanshu Shukla starts 22-hour journey home, what happens after landing?

shubhashu-shukla

Shubhashu Shukla, News on Shubhashu Shukla, stories on Shubhashu Shukla, articles on Shubhashu Shukla, Shubhashu Shukla stories at Wion, Shubhashu Shukla news, Shubhashu Shukla latest news

shubhashu shukla

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunites with family after ISS return, pics strike emotional chord

Shubhanshu Shukla returns: ISRO reveals its Axiom mission cost, Chandrayaan plan

Shubhanshu Shukla starts 22-hour journey home, what happens after landing?